Carnaross NS extension opened

The new extension to Carnaross National School was officially opened and blessed by the Bishop of Meath, Dr Michael Smith, on Monday. The event was also attended by members of the board of management, parents" council, pupils, teachers, staff and local elected representatives, which included Deputies Johnny Brady, Shane McEntee and Damien English. A plaque was unveiled to mark the occasion. Mrs Bríd McGowan, the school principal, expressed her thanks to Bishop Smith, saying his presence and officiating at the opening was much appreciated by all. She extended a warm welcome to local PP, Monsignor John Hanley, to the parish and thanked him for his special interest and support for the project. She also thanked the children, parents, teachers and staff for their patience, support and cooperation during the construction phase. The extension consists of three additional classrooms, two offices, a learning support room and a large sports hall, extended playground and sports field. It has effectively doubled the school in size and Mrs McGowan said great credit was due to Vincent Galligan, Latimer Associates, Architects, and Patrick Kerrigan of Midland Construction who brought the project in on time and within budget with minimum disruption to the school. The extension was funded by the Devolved Grant Initiative, support from parish funds and voluntary contributions by the community through a very energetic fundraising group who have been very successful to date with their 'Buy a Brick Campaign". Carnaross Mart also made a very generous donation on the day to the funding effort. 'The success of this project is due to great community spirit and the deep commitment the Carnaross community have given to the provision of this wonderful learning facility. It is an investment in the education of the children of Carnaross for now and for the future generations,' the principal said. Deputy Johnny Brady welcomed the opening of a new extension. 'I was delighted to be present at the official opening of the much-needed extension to Carnaross National School. 'There has been a significant growth in the local population in recent years and this newly extended school will serve the educational needs of local families in the years ahead. I compliment the board of management, the teachers and the parents" council on their hard work and efforts and I wish pupils and staff well in their future endeavours,' he said.