The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., today turned the sod on a €6.65 million project to provide a new 32-classroom school for Ennis National School, in County Clare.
The new two-storey school will feature a large hall, changing rooms, a playing pitch, and ancillary accommodation, with a total gross floor area of 5,200 square metres.
Speaking at the site, the Minister said, "I’m delighted to turn the sod on this site, and mark the start of the building project.
“The current school, with an enrolment of 600 pupils, is a particularly large one and is a focal point for the community.
“I have no doubt that the new building and the additional facilities it will provide will benefit all in the area when they are ready in 18 months.
“I want to thank everyone who has been involved with getting the project to this stage, particularly the principal, Ray McInerney, the Board of Management, the Patron, and all the staff and parents.”
The Minister was accompanied on his trip to Clare by local Labour Party TD, Michael McNamara.
Deputy McNamara paid tribute to the Board of Management at Ennis National School who have been fundraising tirelessly to add other amenities to the new school.
“It is a tribute to the parents and teachers at Ennis National School that they are determined to raise the funds during these tough economic times necessary to build an extended hall, dressing room, shower facilities and pitch – I wish them well in their endeavours,” said the Deputy.
During his visit to County Clare, Minister Quinn also visited Sixmilebridge National School, and addressed students at the Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughan. Minister Quinn also met with Dr Micheál O’Súilleabháin Chairman of Maoin Cheoil an Chláir and Professor of Music in UL and the Principal and Vice Principal of St Joseph’s school in Spanish Point to discuss the progress of an approved Autism Unit for the school.