12 September, 2006 - Minister Hanafin opens extension to St. Senan's Primary School, Enniscorthy

Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin T.D., today  officially opened a new extension to St. Senan's Primary School, in Enniscorthy.   Over €3.7million in funding was provided by the Department of Education and Science for the project.
 
The additional accommodation provides the school with four new classrooms, two of which will cater for special needs, a home school liaison room, computer and library facilities, improved disabled access, and other improvements.

"Since its establishment in 1978 St. Senan's primary school has grown in size from less than 300 pupils to 470 pupils this year.  Reflecting this growth, these state of the art facilities will ensure the school's tradition of excellence will continue, with all of the amenities and facilities that are required to fully implement the latest curriculum changes," Minister Hanafin said today.

Outlining recent developments at the school Minister Hanafin said "I am proud of the development of the Autism Unit in St. Senan's and the excellent work carried out by the teachers and special needs assistants in working with each child and helping to develop his or her potential.  The integration of children from the mainstream classes with children from the Autism Unit underpins this Government's policy to integrate all pupils to the greatest extent possible."

Minister Hanafin congratulated the school on its award of an International Green Schools Green Flag saying "it is wonderful to see children taking part in environment awareness programmes which benefits everyone.  It is also marvellous to see schools engaging with the wider community and you have an excellent record from your extensive involvement in a range of sports to your participation in the Action Song Competition in the Arklow Music Festival."

During the day, Minister Hanafin also visited Gaelscoil Inis Corthaidh, and St. Mary's National School in Enniscorthy.   Since 1998 almost €27 million has been spent on primary school building projects in Co. Wexford.

Minister Hanafin congratulated Dr. Henry Goff, the school principal in St. Senan's along with the staff, students and parents, wishing them continued success.

Ends