merrion street

The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., today officially opened two new classrooms at Scoil Naomh Pio, Beaupark, Navan, Co Meath.

Scoil Naomh Pio was provided with a grant of over €290,000 as part of the 2012 prefab replacement scheme to replace two prefabs with permanent classrooms together with some associated works.

The €35 million Prefab Replacement Scheme was first launched by Minister Quinn in March last year, with further funding of €15 million announced earlier this week for 2013/2014 year.

Speaking in Beaupark today, the Minister said: "I’m delighted to be here in Meath to open these fantastic new classrooms.

"I would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to all involved who’ve worked so hard to bring this project to completion, the principal, Tomás Ó hÓistín, chairperson of the Board of Management, Hugh Gough, project manager, Derek Mullen, staff, parents and the wider community.

"The prefab replacement initiative has been a great success, with over €23.6 million spent to date, 30 projects completed, and a further 100 projects on site.

"Replacing prefabs offers better accommodation for students and savings for schools and the Exchequer, as well as providing construction jobs. So I am delighted that we are building on our Programme for Government commitment to reduce reliance on rented prefabs in schools and extending the benefits to other parts of the country."

ENDS