Ground-breaking new VEC primary school for Navan

Meath VEC is to become the second county in the country to be responsible for running a primary school when a new facility opens in Navan in September. Planning is expected to be lodged soon for a new primary school on a site in Johnstown. It will be the first primary school in Meath to be run under the patronage of the VEC, outside Dublin. VEC CEO Peter Kierans said a lot or work had to be done between now and September when it is due to open in a temporary premises, including finalising patronage, a site and planning permission. Transport Minister Noel Dempsey stated: "I am delighted that my colleague Minister Batt O'Keeffe has today approved a new primary school in Navan and has also extended the community national school pilot to Navan. This is very good news and an invaluable announcement to the people of Navan. So many new families have moved to Navan and with recent birth rates increasing, I know what a difference this new primary will have to the local area." The Department of Education and Science announced that nationally 52 school building projects as part of the €579 million plan, creating 23.500 places in 20 new schools and 32 extensions. Also seven new primary schools will be created in rapidly developing areas. Nationally over 14,500 pupils at primary level will get permanent school places, 1,900 pupils at post-primary level will get permanent schools accommodation in three new school buildings while a further 7,400 pupils will benefit from major extension and refurbishment projects. In the next few weeks the Department of Education and Science will announce school projects under the Summer Works Scheme. Chairman of the VEC, Cllr Tommy Grimes, and Navan councillor Tommy Reilly also welcomed the announcement. Going to tender and construction in Meath is Scoil Naomh Mhuire, Moynalty, where a new school building has been given the go-ahead to go to tender and construction as part of the School Building Programme for County Meath. Deputy Byrne said: 'I am delighted that the Minister for Education has given the go-ahead for a new school building for Scoil Mhuire, Moynalty to go to tender and construction. This follows strong representation I made to the minister on behalf of the school community of Scoil Mhuire asking for a new school and meetings I and my colleague, Deputy Johnny Brady, previously arranged between the school community and the Department of Education. The minister informs me that officials from the Department of Education will be in contact with Scoil Mhuire shortly."