News
Smith performs official opening of new Knockbride East National School
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Cavan/Monaghan T.D., Mr. Brendan Smith, has officially opened the new Knockbride East National School, Bailieboro, Co. Cavan. Following the blessing of the new building by Bishop Leo O’Reilly of Kilmore, Minister Smith was invited to unveil a commemorative plaque.
The new school consists of three classrooms, a library, general purpose halls and ancillary works. Built at a total cost of €978,000, the school received a grant of €810,000 from the Department of Education and Science. The local community raised €70,000 and received particular praise from the Minister:“This level of fundraising again demonstrates the great community spirit that remains very prevalent in rural Ireland. It is indeed heart-warming to see the kind of enthusiastic volunteerism and regard for one’s own community that has been displayed by the people here in Knockbride”, he said.
Minister Smith also spoke of the very valuable contribution that small primary schools make to their local area and referred to the favourable pupil-teacher ratio that exists in Knockbride East National School.
The Minister highlighted the high level of funding being allocated to modernising school facilities, which is particularly challenging as an estimated additional 100,000 additional primary and post-primary school places will be needed over the next seven years. “Despite the increased pressures on the public finances, the Government will be holding capital investment in schools next year very close to the current high levels. Overall this year an investment of €586 million will be made in school building projects around the country and an estimated €581 million will be allocated in 2009”, he added.
Minister Smith also presented the school with a replica of the famous Corleck Head which has great historical associations with this part of County Cavan and was created by the National Museum, where the orginal head is on display. “I am delighted to be able to present this replica of the Corleck Head to the school and very grateful to the Director of the National Museum, Mr. Pat Wallace and his staff for faciliting the display of such an important reminder of the rich historical legacy of this area”, he said.
In conclusion, Minister Smith paid tribute to all those involved in bringing the project to fruition and wished continuing success to Principal Mr. Brian Murray his staff, the Board of Management and the boys and girls of the school.
