McEntee attends opening of Scoil Naoimh Pio extension

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, last week attended the official opening of the new extension at Scoil Naoimh Pio, in Knockcommon, Beauparc, Co. Meath. The extension was officially opened by the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn TD.

“I was delighted to attend the official opening of the extension at Knockcommon school, which I have no doubt will make a great difference to the pupils and staff. The extension, which is adjacent to the existing school building, will replace prefabs with modern, long-term educational facilities.

“This project has been in the pipeline for some time, and I am very pleased that it has finally come to fruition. I know my father worked with Principal Tom Hodgins over two years or so to source funding and move the project forward. I would like to commend Principal Hodgins for his tireless efforts to make his vision for the school a reality.

“A huge amount of work has also been done by the Parents Committee and the Board of Management, who have successfully fundraised to allow the completion of the Resource Room Facility.

“Over the last year, the Government has spent more than €23 million in a major prefab replacement programme at schools around the country. Last year, more than 458 prefab units were replaced, and a further €15 million has been allocated for 2013/14 to replace a further 115 units.

“Replacing prefabs is part of the Government’s €475 million education infrastructure plan. This plan will provide modern, high quality accommodation for pupils and teachers and construction related jobs for workers around the country.

“There are currently 76 students attending Scoil Naoimh Pio, with this number expected to increase to above 80 in the new school year. We can anticipate the increasing expansion of the school’s population in the years ahead, and I am confident that the new extension will benefit not only the current students attending but also many that will enrol over the years to come.”

ENDS