Scoil Lorcáin NS proceeds to tender after change of heart
Waterford News and Star, 22nd April

The decision by Education Minister Mary Hanafin to allow the building project at Scoil Lorcáin National School, St. John's Park, to proceed to tender has been strongly welcomed by Waterford Fianna Fáil  Senator Brendan Kenneally.

"I am delighted with the news and glad that the long wait is over to effectively provide a new school for primary school pupils in the St. John's Park / Kilcohan areas.  I recall visiting the school earlier this year - the day after Minister Hanafin made her decision on major school projects which should proceed to tender.  Unfortunately, Scoil Lorcáin was not included in that announcement."

"The school authorities told me they were "shattered" by the news and requested that they be given the go ahead to proceed to tender.  I was asked to intervene on their behalf and I did so." said Senator Kenneally.  He said after various calls to various Education and Science officials and many conversations with Minister Hannafin, he arranged for a deputation from the school to meet her. 

"That effort has culminated in this week's announcement.  It means that the new school should be ready in September, 2006.  This is a major investment for the St. John's Park / Kilcohan area.  The estimated cost of the improvements is 3 million.

"The new school will include 16 classrooms and the other necessary facilities to run a thriving and modern centre for education.  The needs of the local community will be fully met.  The St. Park / Kilcohan area is developing rapidly and local children there deserve the best and most modern school facilities and I look forward to the new school opening it's doors to them in September next year," concluded Senator Kenneally.

Waterford News and Star, April 22nd, 2005