Ballyea, County Clare, 1st Feb 2008 - Minister of State Mr. Tony Killeen today warmly welcomed the news that the Department of Education and Science has sanctioned the construction of a new 8-classroom national school for Ballyea.

The Clare T.D. said the news was significant as Ballyea N.S. was among only thirteen schools to be included in the 2008 large-scale building projects programme.

He acknowledged, however, that there were other schools in Clare awaiting approval for projects at various stages. 

“I will continue to urge Minister Mary Hanafin to ensure these projects are processed as quickly as possible.  A number of my former teaching colleagues and members of the INTO have expressed their disappointment to me at the suspension of the Summer Works Scheme. I am aware, however, that the Minister and her Department officials are working hard to ensure the effective rollout of the capital building programme”, stated Minister Killeen.

Commenting on the provision of a new National School at Ballyea, Minister Killeen indicated, “Students and teachers were recently relocated to a temporary site to allow for the original school to be demolished. The school at Ballyea has served the community well over the years but it is time to provide staff, pupils and the wider community with the most modern surroundings.”

The Junior Environment and Energy Minister explained that the construction of a new primary school was sanctioned in line with the recent and substantial increase in Ballyea’s population.

Minister Killeen continued, “For some time there has been a clear need for the provision of more school places in Ballyea. The area’s close proximity to Ennis means that it has experienced a significant increase in its population. This increase has inevitably put pressure on class sizes at the local National School. The provision of new accommodation will alleviate this problem and ensure that the education needs of Ballyea are catered for well into the future.”

“I have long supported calls for the construction of the new school building and have regularly lobbied my Ministerial colleague on behalf of students, parents and teachers.  The provision of a large school catering for additional numbers is now one step closer to becoming a reality and I will do my best to ensure that the project is delivered as quickly as possible”, added Minster Killeen.

The Minister pointed out that the Government remained committed to delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout Clare.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
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