Minister of State and Kildare South Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon has welcomed approval from the Department of Education for an extension and additional accommodation for Allenwood primary school.

“I am delighted that formal approval has been confirmed for the school extension at Allenwood NS today.  The approval is for 3 mainstream classrooms with ensuites as well as 2 rooms for special education classes which will include staff rooms, activities space, toilets and storage.

“The works which will also reconfigure smaller classrooms in the front and back buildings of the school to create 2 larger mainstream classrooms, is much needed in the Allenwood area due to an increase in population in the area and the resultant growing demand for school places at the school.  The addition of two bases for pupils with special education needs is also a boost for families in the area who have been trying to secure places for their children with additional needs.

“Myself and my colleague Cllr Brendan Wyse have been working closely with school management to secure this extension which will allow local children to continue to attend their local school in Allenwood.

“We now need to ensure that the building project is commenced and completed as soon as possible.  Both myself and Cllr Wyse remain committed to the project and will continue to work with principle Ciaran O’Toole and the Board of Management to see it to completion.