A new school building project is set to get underway in a scenic part of Co Cork shortly with an expected target for completion in 2011.

The Passage West development will mean a boost for local contractors as well as for the present and future pupils of the school.

The Department of Education and Skills has now awarded the contract to build the new educational facility for Star of the Sea N.S. in picturesque village of Passage West.

According to local T.D. - who is a former pupil of the school - Michael McGrath: "The Department has confirmed that the Letter of Acceptance (Award of Contract) has issued to the preferred bidder.

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"The preferred bidder is now making arrangements to move on site to begin construction of the school."

Deputy McGrath also confirmed that the estimated construction period for the new school is 48 weeks.

He said that the new state-of-the-art school will have 16 classrooms, a general purpose room, PE equipment store, a library and resource area, a multi-purpose room; special education tuition rooms, a general office, a teacher and staff room and a principal's office.

He continued: "The local community has been actively campaigning for the new school for many years. I want to pay tribute to the Parents Action Committee, Board of Management, Principal, Staff and everyone associated with the School for their tremendous work to secure the new school.

"I have given them every possible political support since my election in 2007 and I am delighted the contract is now being awarded.

"The project is now on target for completion in 2011. This is truly great news for the town of Passage West and especially for the present and future pupils of the school," he concluded.

(CD/BMcC)