Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the reply. It is welcome that progress is being made and that construction will start before the end of 2015. This project has been long sought. There was an 11-year campaign for it. I commend the work of my colleague, Councillor Eileen Mannion, who has worked tirelessly on this project. It was great news in 2013 when the Minister's predecessor announced, under that capital plan, that Clifden community school was to progress to a new build. It has a huge catchment area. There are 400 pupils in the area, stretching from Roundstone across to Maam and Leenane, and obviously the existing facilities are not fit for purpose. It was unfortunate that the original tenderer pulled out for whatever reason, but I am delighted to see that work is continuing to retender this project and that the Department is committed to construction starting in 2015. I thank the Minister for her response and I am sure that she will continue to ensure to keep a close eye on this important project for the north Connemara area.

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