€1m seven class extension at CBS due in April 2017
WORK on New Ross CBS Secondary School’s new €1m extension is under way and is due to be completed in the Spring.
The two-storey extension was funded by the Department of Education in March 2015 and will see six classrooms and a new Science laboratory built in a field adjoining the existing school.
The foundation for the school is going in presently and block work begins later this week.
MMT Construction from Fethard, County Tipperary, are carrying out the works.
CBS Principal Pat Rossiter said: ‘It’s a separate new building which is due to be completed in the third term of the school year. Three old pre fabs are being replaced and there will be a new, second Science lab as recommended by a Department of Education inspection.’
CBS Secondary School New Ross is the latest school in the area to benefit from funding after €5.5m was provided for works at Coláiste Abban, Adamstown, for a new school there and substantial sums were spent on Good Counsel College, Our Lady of Lourdes and Ramsgrange Community School where the biggest summer works scheme in the country took place this year with €500,000 spent on electrical works and improving IT.
An initial application was made in 2014 for the CBS based on the significant growth in pupil numbers at the coeducational school which has a long history in New Ross.
The Department of Education planning section funding is for six new classrooms, three of which will replace pre-fabs and old classrooms.
‘ The net gain for us is three new classrooms and a Science Lab so we will be upgrading facilities to the highest standard available and they will be state of the art. We have taken a long term view of the school and the educational needs of the area. The funding reflects the growth of the school.’
New Ross CBS has 325 students and growing. GRAIGUENAMANAGH’S ‘Town of Books’ Festival takes place this weekend.
The festival sees the town transformed into a book lovers haven with book sellers lining the streets. Now in its 13th year, the festival will have books of all shapes and sizes from different genres for sale by 27 booksellers from Ireland and the UK at pop-up bookshops at locations throughout the town. There will be a host of fringe activities. The festival is designed to appeal to families and to encourage children to take an interest in books while also attracting traditional book collectors.
The Graiguenamanagh Brass Band will perform on Sunday. Following a successful debut last year, the festival’s sponsor, Sheppard’s Irish Auction House, will again host an Antiques Roadshow-type event on Sunday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Boat House. Auctioneer Philip Sheppard said experts will be on hand to offer valuations of art, antiques and historical collectibles - including mementoes of the 1916 Rising – for members of the public. The valuations are free but the festival organisers said a voluntary contribution would raise funds for Gahan House Home for the elderly. Last year, the event attracted large crowds seeking valuations on items including china, clocks, silver, guns, paintings, medals and coins. For further information and updates about the festival see www.graiguenamanaghtownofbooks.com