06 October, 2006 - Minister Hanafin opens newly refurbished Mater Christi Secondary School in Cappagh, Finglas

Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D., today  officially opened the newly extended and refurbished Mater Christi Secondary School in Cappagh, Finglas.  Improvements to the school consists of two projects - the first being replacement of accommodation following a serious fire in 1999, the second, being the comprehensive refurbishment of the remaining accommodation. 
 
Funding for the project, which cost over €4million was provided by the Department of Education and Science. The all girls' school which caters for students from Finglas and Blanchardstown currently has an enrolment of over 200 pupils.
 
Speaking in Mater Christi today, Minister Hanafin said "these state of the art facilities are testimony not only to the commitment of this Government to continue the program of major investment in school buildings - it is also testimony to your commitment as a school and community that you managed to continue here through the difficult years immediately after the 1999 fire.  It also reflects the strong sense of community between this school and neighbouring schools, particularly the Patrician College who made facilities available to students following the fire."

Highlighting the schools ability to cater for an increase in enrolments which is likely to follow the development of nearby lands, Minister Hanafin said "the fact that this school has developed a reputation for the care and interest it takes in all its students, along with an excellent track record both on the stage and in the sports arena.  Newcomers to the area will be delighted to know that the school has the capacity to enrol their children here with excellent facilities and staff."

Minister Hanafin congratulated the principal, teachers and staff at the school along with students and parents and wished them continued success in their newly refurbished accommodation.

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