Coolick National School welcomed Minister Norma Foley, for the official opening of its new state-of-the-art modular classroom and to review plans for a major upcoming school extension.

The Minister was received by Principal Gearóid O’Sullivan, members of the Board of Management, staff, pupils, parents, local Councillor Marie Moloney, and members of the wider community.

The newly opened modular classroom provides a modern learning environment for pupils, representing a significant investment in the local area.

During the visit, Minister Foley was also presented with the recently approved plans for the school’s major extension project.

The granted planning permission covers a comprehensive programme of works to modernise and expand the existing building.

The upcoming project includes the construction of a two-storey extension to the front of the existing building, which incorporates a new lower ground level to significantly increase floor area and capacity.

Internal reconfiguration works will modernise the school’s appearance and improve functionality, which will include dedicated facilities for a Special Class.

Additionally, a new parking area will be constructed to improve safety and accessibility for families, staff, and visitors.

The occasion featured a programme of entertainment by the pupils, including performances by the school’s set dancers, music groups, and the school choral group, which recently participated in the Cork Choral Festival. A blessing of the new facility was performed by Fr Joe Begley.

Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Omer Taha from the Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee, will be the guest speaker at the upcoming HeartBeat meeting on June 30.

The meeting will commence at 8pm in the Parish Centre on Park Road.

Dr Taha will speak about Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and Type 2, detailing all diabetes-related complications.

The talk will be followed by a question and answer session, alongside tea, coffee, and biscuits. Special informational booklets from Diabetes Ireland, focused on living well with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, will also be available on the night.

All are welcome to attend.

The announcement follows last month’s meeting, which focused on the Kerry Stroke Support Group. Guest speaker Stephanie Stretton delivered a talk on stroke aftercare, recovery, and the health and wellbeing needs of survivors.

A key piece of advice highlighted was that anyone suffering a stroke while away from home in the countryside should call 112, as emergency services can track the phone location immediately to save valuable time.

The Kerry Stroke Support Group continues to hold its monthly meetings on the last Thursday of each month at the Baile Mhuire Day Centre in Tralee.

Meanwhile, HeartBeat recently received a generous financial boost. Paul Sherry, Manager of the Killarney Outlet Centre, successfully applied to the Pavers Annual Charities Funding Event on behalf of the group. As a result, Pavers London has donated £1,000 sterling, equivalent to over €1,200.