merrion street

The Minister for Training and Skills, Ciarán Cannon T.D., today opened a new extension to St Mary's National School, Mountbellew, Co Galway.

Almost €200,000 was provided by the Department of Education and Skills to extend and refurbish the school.

The new state of the art building now consists of two new classrooms, one learning support rooms, one office and additional toilet facilities.

Speaking at the opening, the Minister said: "This wonderful building project came about through the dedication and hard work of the local community supported by Government.

"I commend the school’s principal, Michael Kelly, teachers, parents, pupils and everyone who’ve worked so hard to bring it to completion.

"The new facilities will enable the teachers to continue their excellent service to the education and learning needs of the pupils here in the school.

"I'm also impressed to learn the school has been awarded four Green Flags.

"Involvement in such important initiatives fosters a strong sense of citizenship and leadership among pupils and staff and spreads far outside the school into the wider community," said Minister Cannon.