Extension boost for Teconnaught school

Extension boost for Teconnaught school

3 February 2016

HOLY Family Primary School in Teconnaught has been awarded over £354,000 for a major new extension.

The local primary has been granted the money for a new school hall and reception area through the Department of Education’s minor works scheme.

St Malachy’s High School, Castlewellan, has also been awarded £45,000 for security works and St Malachy’s Primary School, Kilclief, has been awarded £21,249 for improved lighting.

Confirmation of funding for Holy Family Primary School’s extension has been welcomed by  school principal Christopher Curran.

Mr Curran, who has been principal of Holy Family Primary School since 2005, said the new development had been needed for some time due to the expanding pupil population of 195.

He said planning approval had been granted last year but funding issues meant work to the extension could not get underway.

He said he was therefore delighted when the first sod was finally turned after Christmas.

“We have been really looking forward to this for a long time and this is very welcome news,” he said.

“The new development includes a new reception area at the front of the school, which is needed for health and safety reasons, and an extension to the hall and new store rooms, which are also needed because of the number of children enrolled.

“Building work got underway just after Christmas and we hope the development will be complete by May.”

Local Assemblyman Chris Hazzard said the investment in all three local schools would have a positive impact on pupils, teachers and school staff.

“These projects will help in the drive to improve educational standards. The completion of all these works will ultimately provide better facilities for our children and young people to learn in and an improved working environment for teachers and other school staff,” he said.

“I will continue in my efforts to secure the required funding for other schools in the locality who have made me aware of their needs for investment.”