26 October, 2006 - Scoil Bhríde doubles in size

Minister Hanafin opens new extension at Scoil Bhríde, New Inn

Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D., today  officially opened the extension and refurbishment of Scoil Bhríde national school in New Inn, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.  The new extension doubles the floor space of the original school building and includes two new classrooms, principal's office, staff room, learning support room, library and refurbishment of existing classrooms and general purpose room and ancillary works. The school has a current enrolment of almost 100 pupils.
 
Speaking at the school today, Minister Hanafin said "your new extension and refurbishment is very impressive indeed and it will provide a stimulating and enhanced environment for teaching and learning."
 
The Department of Education and Science allocated in excess of €400,000 to the school for this project under its devolved grant scheme.  Highlighting the fact that the building works were completed in record time, almost within four months, Minister Hanafin said "devolving funding and authority to schools means that schools have greater ownership and management of projects.  This can assist in moving projects to tender and construction in specific timeframes and result in delivering better value for money."
 
Under the School Building and Modernisation Programme the Department has provided more than €38 million for primary school building projects in Galway between 1998 and 2005.
 
Acknowledging the commitment of the teachers and staff at Scoil Bhríde in providing extra curricular activities, Minister Hanafin said "I believe you are involved in a wide range of sport, music and academic activities.  I congratulate you on the great honour of winning three county titles this year for hurling, camogie and football- what an outstanding achievement. 

I am pleased that you are encouraged to preserve your school and local environment and that you are very aware of the importance of your environment.  I know you have recently applied for An Taisce's Green Flag and I wish you every success in obtaining this."
 
As part of her official duties, Minister Hanafin also opened the school's new library, the Claire Dooley School Library which is dedicated to the past principal of the school, who gave 46 years teaching service to generations of children in the local community.  "A library is a wonderful resource in any school and one we must all make use of.  Reading is something that most of us enjoy and something we can enjoy for the rest of our lives".
 
While in Galway Minister Hanafin also visited St. Killian's Vocational School in New Inn which caters for almost 200 pupils where she met with pupils and staff.
 
End.