O’Dowd gives the green light for £1.3million new build at Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach, Crumlin

Education Minister John O'Dowd has given the green light to a £1.3million accommodation project for Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach, Crumlin.

The new four classroom-based system build accommodation, funded through the Department’s Accommodation Fund, will replace the school’s existing mobile accommodation.   It will be sited off the Glenavy Road in Crumlin.

Speaking, as he cut the first sod for the new build, Education Minister John O’Dowd said:

 “This new purpose- built accommodation will give teachers and pupils at Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach four new teaching spaces, along with ancillary space and  multi-purpose rooms. Development plans also include a hard play area as well as  informal grass play areas for sport and leisure activities so children can develop their skills outside the classroom too.

This is a significant investment which will also give a welcome boost to the local construction industry and I look forward to seeing the new school when work completes in October 2015.”

Commenting on work beginning for the new school accommodation, Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach Principal Stephen Wallace said:

“We are extremely excited about our new Gaelscoil and the future of Irish-medium education in Crumlin.  The new Gaelscoil will provide a safe and fun environment where we can learn and grow together.  We have been greatly supported by the Gleann Darach community to make this vision a reality. We would also like to thank the Education Minister, John O’ Dowd, the previous Education Minister Caitríona Ruane, Pilib Ó Ruanaí from Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta and Debbie Phillips from the Department of Education for their support over the years.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach is an Irish-medium primary school in Crumlin.
2. The construction contract has been awarded to Western Building Systems.
3. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel.
4. See photos from the Department of Education in our Flickr collection. 
5. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.

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