Irish Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe has opened a new extension in Dunderrow National School in Kinsale, Co Cork.

The school, which has an enrolment of over 200 pupils, was allocated €512,000 enabling it to build an additional four classrooms.

This now brings the accommodation at the school to eight classrooms; a computer room; a general purpose room; a learning support room; a resource room; a staff room; a principal's office; plus a secretary's office and ancillary accommodation.

Speaking at the school, Minister O'Keeffe said: "Today marks the culmination of a lot of planning and hard work and represents hope and confidence in the future.

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"I'd like to congratulate Dunderrow National School with its outstanding success in the BT Young Scientist Competition. In particular Aisling Judge, a past pupil who was the overall winner in 2006. A wonderful and proud achievement for the school.

"Children from the school have also participated in the All Ireland Credit Union Schools' Quiz, in the Healthy Schools Promotion Programme and in the Green Schools' Programme.

"I am also heartened to learn that the school is very actively involved in Football and Hurling, Swimming, Tennis and Tag Rugby and in Choral Work, Irish Dancing and Drama.

"Participation in sports brings an appreciation of personal health and fitness, develops a positive self-image and teaches young people how to work as part of a team," said Minister O'Keeffe.

"I'd like to commend the school's principal, Mary Cottrell, teachers, parents, pupils and everyone who've worked so hard to bring this project to completion," he added.

(PR/JM)