A national school in Ennis has “a very bright future” after it was granted planning permission for major development works that will transform its classroom and outdoor facilities, Deputy Joe Carey has said.
The local Fine Gael TD was speaking after Clare County Council gave the green light for the construction of a new school building at Knockanean National School in Ennis.
The plans submitted by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills include the construction of a new two-storey building which will consist of eight new classrooms, a general purpose room and ancillary accommodation.
The school’s outdoor facilities will also be transformed with the construction of a new playing area, two ball courts, bicycle sheds, new vehicle and pedestrian gated entrances Welcoming the announcement, local Fine Gael TD Joe Carey said: “I’m delighted these vital development works at Knockanean National School have been granted planning permission and that work can begin soon on the new school building. This €6 million project was included in the Department of Education Capital Plan a number of years ago but was delayed due to planning difficulties.
“This is great news for the school and the local community. This most welcome development will provide a brand new school delivering new classrooms and facilities which are so badly needed. I have worked closely on this project with the Knockanean National School Principal, Jim Curran, the Board of Management and the New School Project Team, including Cllr Johnny Flynn.
“I want to thank outgoing Minister for Education Joe McHugh and his predecessor former Minister Richard Bruton and their officials in the Department of Education for ensuring that this essential project remained on the Capital Programme despite the long delays in the planning process.
“Knockanean National School has a very bright future ahead and I look forward to the development works getting underway on site as soon as possible.”
