Funding provided for new facilities at Clonbonny NS

Westmeath Minister of State Robert Troy said it's been confirmed that "significant funding" has been put in place to provide new facilities at Clonbonny NS in Athlone.

The school received national media attention last September when its need for additional accommodation for pupils was highlighted.

Minister Troy said the work that's due to take place there would see the current prefab classroom replaced with a general purpose classroom measuring 80 square metres.

Two special education teaching rooms, which were sought by school management, are also due to be provided.

"Following months of engagement with school management and the Minister for Education, I am delighted that this much-needed project has been approved," he said.

"I met with the school principal on site, and it is quite clear that Covid-19 restrictions have heightened the pre-existing need for additional accommodation at Clonbonny.

"Since restrictions have been enforced, the staff canteen has had to be transformed into an additional classroom.

"Having witnessed the pressure on space, I arranged for a visit from the School Accommodation Unit to highlight the urgency of this matter.

"The works approved by The Department of Education will undoubtedly be of huge benefit to the teaching staff and pupils alike, and will give pupils the space and facilities to grow and flourish through their early education.”

He said the work to provide the new facilities was expected to take place during the summer months.