Released on: February 1, 2008, 5:42 am

Press Release Author: Mark Dunphy/Dunphy PR

Industry: Education

Press Release Summary: Ballyea, County Clare, 1st Feb 2008 - Minister of State Mr.
Tony Killeen today warmly welcomed the news that the Department of Education and
Science has sanctioned the construction of a new 8-classroom national school for
Ballyea.

Press Release Body: The Clare T.D. said the news was significant as Ballyea N.S. was
among only thirteen schools to be included in the 2008 large-scale building projects
programme.

He acknowledged, however, that there were other schools in Clare awaiting approval
for projects at various stages.

"I will continue to urge Minister Mary Hanafin to ensure these projects are
processed as quickly as possible. A number of my former teaching colleagues and
members of the INTO have expressed their disappointment to me at the suspension of
the Summer Works Scheme. I am aware, however, that the Minister and her Department
officials are working hard to ensure the effective rollout of the capital building
programme", stated Minister Killeen.

Commenting on the provision of a new National School at Ballyea, Minister Killeen
indicated, "Students and teachers were recently relocated to a temporary site to
allow for the original school to be demolished. The school at Ballyea has served the
community well over the years but it is time to provide staff, pupils and the wider
community with the most modern surroundings."

The Junior Environment and Energy Minister explained that the construction of a new
primary school was sanctioned in line with the recent and substantial increase in
Ballyea's population.

Minister Killeen continued, "For some time there has been a clear need for the
provision of more school places in Ballyea. The area's close proximity to Ennis
means that it has experienced a significant increase in its population. This
increase has inevitably put pressure on class sizes at the local National School.
The provision of new accommodation will alleviate this problem and ensure that the
education needs of Ballyea are catered for well into the future."

"I have long supported calls for the construction of the new school building and
have regularly lobbied my Ministerial colleague on behalf of students, parents and
teachers. The provision of a large school catering for additional numbers is now
one step closer to becoming a reality and I will do my best to ensure that the
project is delivered as quickly as possible", added Minster Killeen.

The Minister pointed out that the Government remained committed to delivering
improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school
accommodation throughout Clare.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and
Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special
responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further
comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy
Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request

Web Site: http://www.dunphypr.com

Contact Details: Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
media@dunphypr.com
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)