merrion street

The Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock T.D., today opened the newly refurbished Kilmagner National School, Fermoy, Co Cork.

The refurbishment, which was completed last year, includes the addition of three new classrooms and the refurbishment of older facilities.

Speaking at the school, Minister Sherlock said: "These developments, funded under the Devolved Funding Scheme, will greatly improve the experience of pupils and teachers alike at Kilmagner School.

"The decision by the Department of Education and Skills to grant this funding is an acknowledgement of the schools importance here in the community, both past and future.

"Minister Sherlock commended the school's staff, pupils and parents, saying: "I would like to pay tribute to the tremendous work of the teaching staff, to the great work of the pupils and to the excellent support of the parents."

The Minister also raised the school's first Green Flag while at the school.

He said: "The Green School Programme, now in its 14th year, has been a huge success nationally.

"I am delighted that so many schools across Cork have embraced the initiative, and increased students’ awareness of environmental issues both in the school and in the wider community.

"This is a very important initiative in terms of teaching children to look after the environment and instilling values they will take with them to adulthood.

"There is great credit due to the staff and pupils of Kilmagner National School in achieving their first green flag which has been awarded for their effort," said the Minister.