I am very pleased to say that construction works will start next week for the new two-storey extension including a sports hall and 10 additional classrooms in Castleknock Community College.

I wish to congratulate Castleknock Community College, the local community, teachers, and parents and students for paying such an active part in bringing this project fruition. This long awaited investment in Dublin 15 further emphasizes the commitment of this Government to education.

The funding was provided by this Government as part of the €150 million of additional investment under the Infrastructure Stimulus Plan.

Castleknock has an outstanding record of educational, sporting and civic achievement, and the new facilities will help to enhance that proud record in the years ahead.

I would like to thank all the pupils, parents and staff who have fought valiantly for this project over the years, despite many setbacks along the way. I know the school was promised on more than one occasion in the past that the facilities would be delivered. I am happy to say that the extension will now be delivered as a result of the decision by this Government. But it was the College’s work that made the crucial difference in pressing the case for the extension and bringing the project to the stage where that case was unarguable. Pupils and staff past and present, in tandem with the Parents’ Association and their fellow parents, have delivered this result.

As someone who has strongly supported the development of the school from its very earliest days, I am very happy that this development is finally in a position to commence.