Construction work has been completed and the sites handed over in good time for two newly refurbished national schools to be officially opened in Mayo last week.

Education Minister and Tánaiste Mary Coughlan expressed her appreciation after Taugheen National School in Claremorris was modernised and refurbished. The Tánaiste was also on hand to open a €525,000 extension to Balla National School, also in Co Mayo.

Taugheen National School was modernised and refurbished and both Balla and Taugheen have new classrooms and other teaching support rooms as well as a new car park and drop off area for Balla and a re-development of the football pitch at Taugheen.

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The Tánaiste commended both schools for their dedication and achievements and she congratulated Taugheen on their community spirit.

"I commend your dedication and community spirit….it is heartening that you are taking such a great interest in your children's education and that you fully recognise the importance of your support for the school," she said.

The Minister also highlighted the achievement of Balla National School in the Green Schools programme: "Achieving the standards necessary to be awarded a green flag is a significant undertaking by any school.

"It's heartening to see the young people here at the Balla National School carrying out such a very important job in helping to secure the future of the environment," said the Tánaiste.

(BMcC/GK)