Published: Wednesday, 10th March, 2010 5:00pm

New VEC education centre for Ballyjamesduff

Tenders invited for construction project at old national school

Adult education officer Fiona Maloney with Cllrs. Shane P. O'Reilly and Sean McKiernan outside the old St. Clare's National School at Ballyjamesduff, which is to be developed as a new VEC Education Centre. Photo: Ian McCabe

County Cavan VEC has unveiled the schedule of works for a new Education Centre in Ballyjamesduff. The refurbishment of the old St. Clare's National School is hoped to commence in April this year. Adult education officer, Fiona Maloney, hopes to have the official opening of this centre in early Autumn. Fiona advises the new centre will provide a variety of adult and community education courses, as well as a youth facility, which will benefit the entire population of Ballyjamesduff and surrounding areas.

The VEC is already inviting tenders for the project (see advert on page 8) with a closing date of 12 noon on March 19.

Fianna Fáil's Shane P. O'Reilly is the chairperson of the building sub-committee and vice chairperson of Co Cavan VEC. "This is a great day for adult education in east Cavan and shows the further commitment of County Cavan VEC to all its learners throughout the county."

Also, speaking at the launch earlier this year, Cllr. Paddy O'Reilly (FG) welcomed the initiative. "It's great to have an ideal building in such a good geographical location and it will fill a much needed educational facility in the area," he said.

Agreeing, party colleague and VEC member Sean McKiernan, said: "I very much welcome Co Cavan VEC's adult education officer, Fiona Maloney's initiative to restore the old national school in Ballyjamesduff and her commitment to the restoration of the building. When it is fully restored and open, the people of Ballyjamesduff and the wider east Cavan area will be proud of it. I think it is an exciting project, which will hugely compliment the County Museum, which is on the same site."

Further details on the progression of the building will be available from the adult education officer.