The Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, has moved to defuse a row over a proposal by the Department to sell off a former military barracks at Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.
The Minister had informed the local community that the Government would allocate £1 million to offset the economic loss to the area. A row developed when it was announced the property was being offered for public sale.
Last night it emerged the Minister had agreed to meet local representatives and discuss a development plan which includes community use of the property.
Work on a £2.3 million extension to Inver College Secondary School, Carrickmacross, is to begin within weeks following approval by the Department of Education yesterday for the placement of contract. The extension will include a sports hall, a technology area, a woodwork area, two engineering rooms, an art room, two science rooms, a library, two home economics rooms, seven classrooms, cloakrooms, toilets, a staff room and administration office.
The existing building will be remodelled, with the gym being converted into a concert hall.
Approximately 570 students currently attend Inver College, 300 of which are currently housed in temporary prefab accommodation.