A new state of the art school building at St Mary's National School, Ballyhack, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny was officially opened by the Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey on Friday.
The new school has 16 classrooms and ancillary accommodation and was built at a cost of €4.5million which was funded by the Department of Education and Skills.
With the opening of the new school comes the closing of two smaller schools in the town – the Convent of Mercy Primary School and Ladywell Boys' National School
Minister Haughey addressed the crowd gathered acknowledging everyone who had made the project possible.
“I would like to pay tribute to each and every one involved and acknowledge the vision and determination of the school management, the principal Margaret Walsh, staff and parents who worked so hard to bring this wonderful project to completion.
"The benefits of this new school will be enjoyed, not only by the pupils and staff of the school, but by the whole community for many years to come.
"The significant capital outlay for the project at St Mary’s demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing our school buildings and facilities," he added.
Since 2007 over €21m has been invested by the Government in primary school building projects in Kilkenny.
