Additional classrooms for Arranmore NS - Cope

Pat the Cope Gallagher and Councillor David Alcorn have been advised by Mary Coughlan T.D., Tánaiste and Minister for Education & Skills, that she has given approval for the provision of four permanent classrooms at Gairmscoil Mhic Dhiarmada , Arranmore Island.

The new accommodation will replace the three existing prefabricated buildings and will also provide some ancillary facilities including toilets, storage and circulation space. This is in addition to the three classrooms provided in 2009 under the Devolved Initiative Programme.

It will now be a matter for the Vocational Education Committee in consultation with the School Authorities to finalise the design and apply for Planning Permission. These works will also be carried out under the devolved programme whereby the Department of Education provides funding and the project is managed by the V.E.C. and Board of Management.

The Devolved Initiative Programme, which was launched on a pilot basis in 2003, offers schools the opportunity to seek funding to carry out capital projects that are required to meet urgent accommodation issues. Pat the Cope said: "The experience to date of the Devolved Scheme Initiative has shown that the extension and refurbishment works are being delivered more quickly, offering good value for money and improving the facilities for our schoolchildren

Pat the Cope & David Alcorn were high in their praise of the Vocational Education Committee and the School Authorities for their continued commitment to the provision of enhanced facilities at Gaimscoil Mhic Dhiarmada.

Pat the Cope and David Alcorn have welcomed this news and thank Minister Coughlan for her prompt response to their representations.