Fine Gael TD Noel Coonan for Tipperary/South Offaly has welcomed the announcement by the Department of Education of a national school building and refurbishment programme which includes six schools in the constituency.

“Scoil Mhuire Presentation Secondary School in Ballingarry has been included as one of 11 post primary schools that have been approved to go to construction in 2012 for their extension and refurbishment works,” said Noel. “This is very good news for staff, parents and pupils in Ballingarry and I am glad the Government has found the resources to progress this project even in difficult economic times.”

“Also included under the programme of works is a new school at Silvermines NS and refurbishment extension works at Ursuline Convent Thurles, Borrisokane Community College, Nenagh Vocational School and Scoil Ruain, Killenaule. These projects will advance into 2012,” continued Deputy Coonan.

“Meanwhile, SN Cronain Naofa at Dromakeenan was one extension project that was completed this year.

“This announcement will improve facilities for everyone at the schools and I want to compliment all those who campaigned vigorously for the works,” continued Deputy Coonan.

In all, €430m will be spent on educational infrastructure next year, representing the first phase of a €2 billion five-year plan for major school building projects.

Total enrolment in both primary and post-primary schools is expected to grow by around 70,000 over the next six years.

Deputy Noel Coonan has welcomed the news that €20,000 in funding has been allocated to Tipperary Regional Youth Services towards the provision of a Youth Cafe in Templemore. The local Fine Gael TD said he is delighted the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald has responded positively to his strong lobbying for additional amenities in the town.

“We have been looking for a Youth Cafe for Templemore for some time. It is vital that we continue to provide services to the youth of our country and the young people living in Templemore and its environs are very deserving of this provision of funding and all the support we can give them,” said Noel.

This funding is part of the Youth Café Initiative and Deputy Coonan said the café will provide a safe and fun place for young people to meet. “It is exciting news that a modern facility will be provided in Templemore and I look forward to the project coming to fruition,” concluded Deputy Coonan.

Noel Coonan TD has welcomed today’s announcement that €105,415 has been allocated to North Tipperary County Council to assist the authority in meeting the costs associated with the operation of their bring banks and civic amenity facilities.

“It is important to promote recycling now and into the future especially as most landfills have closed or are about to close.

“This money will encourage our local authorities to continue to provide necessary waste management infrastructure. We can see that civic amenity facilities are hugely successful as is the case in Roscrea where a large number of people use the facility at weekends and this funding is an incentive to increase opening hours and facilities throughout the constituency,” said Deputy Coonan.

Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, today (1 December 2011) announced the provision of €5 million in funding to assist local authorities in meeting the costs associated with the operation of their bring banks and civic amenity facilities for the period January to June 2011.

The funding is provided from the Environment Fund, through which the proceeds of the plastic bag and landfill levies are utilised to provide assistance and support in respect of a range of waste management, litter and other environmental initiatives.