A multi million euro extension and refurbishment has been approved for the Convent of Mercy secondary school in Roscommon.
Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed the announcement which will include two new science labs, home-economics and textiles room among others.
The old convent building will also be refurbished to include three special education classes as well as a dining hall, kitchenette and toilet block.
Senator Murphy believes this will make a huge difference to education in Roscommon.
"Of course it's the initial approval from the Department, it clears the way now for a Project Manager to be appointed and I look forward to this project moving forward in the not too distant future. It's going to make a huge, huge difference to education in the Roscommon town area."