News

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Cavan/Monaghan, T.D., Mr. Brendan Smith has performed the official opening of a new extension to Drumkilly, NS, Kilnaleck. Earlier in the day he also attended the blessing of a new classroom at St. Patrick’s NS, Castletara.

The extension, which consists of two mainstream classroom and two resource rooms, as well as wheelchair accessible toilets, was facilitated through a grant of €630,000 from the Department of Education and Skills. Minister Smith said that the development of the new extension was an important milestone in the life of Drumkilly NS. He also noted that the school can look forward to an upgrading of its electrical system this summer through the provision of a further grant of €22,763 under the Summer Works Scheme.

Referring to the uplifting learning environment, he congratulated the pupils on attaining a second Green Flag and said that he was looking forward to viewing a short film about the history of the school that they had produced themselves.

Minister Smith acknowledged the presence of former Principal Mr. David Murphy and his contribution over many years to the school. He also congratulated current Principal Ms. Ena Corr and her staff for the very positive Whole School Evaluation Report the school had received from the Department of Education and Skills Inspectors.

Noting the very fine work undertaken by Brendan Sammon Builders and Architects Ronan Healy and Damien Nolan, the Minister also thanked Mr. Michael Cronin and the Board of Management for their ongoing commitment towards the development of the school.

Earlier in the day, Minister Smith attended the blessing of a new classroom at St. Patrick’s NS, Castletara. Built at a total cost €130,000, the Minister said that he was delighted to be present once again having opened a new building for the school two years ago.

Commenting on the developments at both schools Minister Smith said: “It is heartening to know that our young population continues to grow and I want to assure you all of the Government’s commitment to the refurbishment and upgrading of our rural schools. Despite the serious economic difficulties that we are experiencing, the Government is undertaking the largest ever school building programme with County Cavan being a major beneficiary”.

“In recent years I was very glad to support the applications submitted by both schools to the Department of Education and Skills and very substantial grant aid has enabled the provision of excellent new school facilities”, he said.