Another major building project has been completed and officially opened for business.

Irish Tánaiste and Education Minister, Mary Coughlan opened the demonstration library in St Aidan's Community School, Tallaght.

According to Ms Coughlan, the library is an outstanding resource that will provide a critical tool in addressing the students' literacy needs.

The Demonstration Libraries Project was established in 2001, when the Department of Education and Skills set up eleven libraries in schools participating in the Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP).

The JCSP operates as an intervention at Junior Cycle for students, who for a variety of reasons, have experienced difficulties in school and are considered to be at risk of leaving school early.

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It provides a curriculum framework, which assists schools and teachers in adopting a student-centred approach to education.

The Programme gives students enhanced opportunities to engage with the curriculum and to achieve success at school.

The Tánaiste said the Government has invested over €9 million in the Demonstration Library Project highlighting it's commitment to ensuring that the literacy needs of every student are met.

"St Aidan's is one of 30 schools across the country which participate in the project," said the Tánaiste.

"These schools are supported to set up and equip high quality school libraries, and to develop structured library based strategies with IT support for JCSP students with literacy difficulties.

"I would like to acknowledge the work of the JCSP staff in supporting your school particularly the National Co-ordinator, Aideen Cassidy, and the Senior Librarian Kathleen Moran."

She added: "I commend the school's principal, Frank Moran, the librarian, Ailish Larkin, and the school staff for their work in addressing the needs of their students.

"I know that the library, situated as it is at the hub of the school, will provide a wonderful centre for development and learning."

(NS/BMcC)