A primary school in Fermanagh where the enrolment is steadily rising against the general trend, is to be given a proper extension, it was announced this week.

Ballinamallard Primary School (right) is already “bursting at the seams” and a £500,000 extension announced by the Education Minister, Mr. Jeremy Hanley this week, is a welcome boost.

The school’s principal, Mr. John McCrea, who has been in charge for the past six years, said he was “over the moon” at the announcement on Tuesday.

“Over the past two months, the Department had approved an extension but had to wait until the money was available,” he explained.

The new building programme for the school is part of a £34 million building programme announced by the Minister. The approval means that work will start during the next financial year beginning in April.

Ballinamallard School is one of just seven primaries in the Province to receive aid as well as two voluntary grammar schools, three secondary schools, a special school and further education college.