Long-awaited extension at Cornafulla National School to begin in New Year

After years of waiting, work is to begin on the long-awaited extension of Cornafulla NS on January 3 next. The official signing between contractors Cordil Construction and employer, Cornafulla NS, took place in the school on November 30 last. Cornafulla NS project clears final hurdle - Naughten Deputy Denis Naughten has welcomed the signing of the contracts for the urgently-needed extension. "Cornafulla NS currently caters for in excess of 300 pupils but the building can only cater for approximately 150 children," explained Deputy Naughten. "Over 100 junior pupils, baby and senior infants, are being taught in the old school constructed in 1843 and renovated in 2001. Just two toilets service this building, which caters for the needs of these pupils. The current situation is totally unsuitable and as a result the eventual signing of the contract with a start date for the works, is a very welcome development. "I would like to congratulate all involved in bringing this long running saga to completion with the formal signing of the contract but in particular the patience and commitment of the Board of Management. "This progress will also come as welcome relief to pupils, parents and teachers who will now be able to avail of five new class rooms and a new GP room as part of this development," concluded Denis Naughten. Present at the signing were the quantity surveyor, Eamonn Traynor; the school principal, Joan Conway; the chairman of the Board of Management Fr. Ray Milton; engineer with Malachy Cullen, Tommy Cunningham and project architects, Dave Lennon and Enda Fallon. Also present were member of the Board of Management Gerry Pettit, and the builders from Cordil Construction, Gerry Dillon and Joe Lavan. Safety officers from the building firm will meet with teaching staff to discuss safety issues during the month of December. The extension, which was first announced before the last general election but was then delayed, will consist of five extra classrooms, a multi-purpose room, library and staff room. In January last, the department announced the €1.5m extension would be put out for re-tender.