New facilities at Tonragee NS 'reflects a great community effort'

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has today officially opened the new facility at Tonragee National School, Achill.

In doing so, Minister Ring highlighted the significant effort by the local community in bringing the project to fruition.

The works include a new playground and improvement to access and parking areas which are especially important because of the schools location adjacent to a busy regional road.

Minister Ring said: “I am delighted to see the school developing and the recent works are a credit to all involved.

"Given the challenges facing rural communities such as Tonragee, the achievement of the school in growing from having 17 pupils in 1997 to having 54 pupils today is remarkable. The school has recently moved from a two-teacher school to three-teacher status.

“All this has been possible because of the community developing in a manner that has encouraged families to remain in the area, and attracting families returning or moving into the area.

“The contribution of the local community to this project has been magnificent - from the local builders who worked voluntarily to the O’Donnell family who donated the land for the development initially which made the project possible.

“I compliment the board of management for initiating and overseeing this important development and to acknowledge the great work of the principal of the school, Ms. Bridie Kilbane and of her seven staff members, as well as former principal, Ms. Mary T. McNamara, who was involved in a major part of the work before her retirement."

"It is particularly important to acknowledge the financial contribution of Mayo County Council.”