Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has opened a new €120,000 extension to St. Columcille's National School, Inistioge, County Kilkenny.

The extension provides St. Columcille's with one new classroom, ancillary facilities, a new learning support room and two new offices for the Principal and Secretary.

Speaking at the school, Minister O'Keeffe said: "This project came about through the dedication and hard work of the local community supported by Government.

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"This beautiful new building will be enjoyed not only by the staff and pupils who currently work in and attend St. Columcille's but will also be appreciated by future generations.

"I commend the school's principal, Alice Beck, teachers, parents, pupils and everyone who've worked so hard to bring this project to completion," he said.

The Minister added: "St. Columcille's has had notable achievements in sport, debating and music.

"The promotion of sport in a school is important as it fosters a sense of teamwork and fair play, skills which will benefit the children through out their lives."

Later in the day, Minister O'Keeffe will visit Kilkenny Education Centre and Scoil Pobail Osarí.

(PR/JM)