A new €2.8m extension has been opened at Cloghroe National School, in Blarney, Co Cork.

The extension has provided the school with eight new classrooms, ancillary facilities and a general purpose room.

Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe said the project came about through the "dedication and hard work" of the local community, supported by government.

"This beautiful new building will be enjoyed not only by the staff and pupils who currently work in and attend Cloghroe National School but will also be appreciated by future generations," he said.

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The government is currently prioritising the schools capital programme which amounts to €614m.

"The target for this year for both primary and post-primary schools is 9,475 permanent places in new schools, 3,900 permanent school places in existing schools and refurbishments to benefit over 2,400 pupils," said Minister O'Keeffe.

"The announcements I've made so far in respect of large-scale projects moving to tender and construction will create over 30,000 school places.

"As a Government, we're committed to investing in strategic infrastructure and that means putting money into our schools and higher education institutions."

Mr O'Keeffe said prices for construction jobs are now coming in 10% to 15% lower than last year.

"So, as well as getting better value for money and building our capacity in physical educational infrastructure, we're creating thousands of much-needed jobs in the construction sector as part of the government's plan to restore economic growth to our nation," added the Minister.

(PR/JM)