Tánaiste Opens Newly Refurbished School

Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan has opened the newly refurbished St. Joseph's National School, East Wall, Dublin 3.

The school building was refurbished at a cost of €1.1million and funded by the Department of Education and Skillls.

The refurbishment work included a new heating system, installation of CCTV and alarms, replacement of doors and windows, installation of new floors, refurbishment of the toilets and creation of a re-cycling area.

In addition, the school building was completely re-painted and the area in front of the building was pedestrianised and planted.

Speaking at the opening, the Tánaiste said: "It is my great privilege to join you here today in East Wall, in the heart of Dublin, to celebrate the opening of your fabulous refurbished school."

The minister also opened a new sports hall and classroom in St Leonard's National School, Dunamaggin, Co Kilkenny.

The Tánaiste said the investment of €579 million in this year's school building programme demonstrated the Government's desire to continue investing in the productive capacity of the economy, to create construction jobs and to provide schoolchildren and teachers with the best educational environment in which to learn and work.

At primary level over 14,500 pupils will get permanent school places while at post-primary level 1,900 students will benefit from new permanent school accommodation and a further 7,400 pupils will benefit from major extension and refurbishment projects in their schools.

(GK)