A new extension to Lissycasey National School can finally go to construction after additional funding was secured to over come challenges posed by the site, according to to Minister for Employment and Small Business Pat Breen.
The Clare minister of state had been in contact with the Department of Education and Skills about the need for the additional funding for this necessary extension, and this week the extra finance was granted.
“I am pleased that the new, much needed extension to Lissycasey National School has now been approved to progress to construction, and that additional funding has being allocated to take account of the site layout so that the project can be delivered,” said Minister Breen.
“Issues arose when the initial funding was insufficient in consideration of the site constraints. To construct the new classroom, the demolition of existing secretary’s office and school toilets had to be undertaken. This cost was not factored in the initial funding approval,” he said.
“To this end the design had to be altered to incorporate the replacement of the secretary’s office. The school therefore sought increased funding so that the project could progress. This funding has now been approved to alter the site layout to facilitate the extension,” added Minister Breen.
“Planning permission has already been approved to alter and extend the existing national school
building. The works, which should begin soon, include the demolition of the old toilet block in the existing building, the demolition of the shed and water tower, and the construction of a new
single storey extension containing one mainstream classroom, two S.E.T. rooms, secretary’s office,
and storage room. An account of the retention and relocation of existing prefab rooms, and all associated site works and connections to services at Lissycasey National School has also been included in the planning permission and the funding,” said the Clare minister of state.
“I am pleased that this project can finally move ahead. The children and teachers at Lissycassey National School deserve a state of the art, modern facility, and this new extension should make attending school much more comfortable for them.”