Minister for Education and Science
Mary Hanafin T.D., today outlined details of 54 primary schools and 8 post
primary schools which are being given the go ahead to proceed with major
works such as new school building projects, extensions or refurbishment.
The first key step for these schools now is the appointment of the
architectural team that will design and plan the works.
Announcing details of the schools
progressing in the building and modernisation programme Minister Hanafin
said “there are 21 new primary school projects being announced today. It
is intended that these schools will be built using innovative methods such
as the standardised design model or design and build process, which have
been successfully introduced by the Department in recent years. Also at
primary level there are 28 extensions and five refurbishment projects
where design teams will be appointed. In addition there are two new
post primary schools, five post primary extensions and one post primary
refurbishment project.”
Minister Hanafin also announced the
progression of a joint partnership initiative with the Dublin Docklands
Development Authority to deliver a new school, St. Laurence O’Toole
primary school, Seville Place in Dublin. Funding for this project is
being provided by the Department of Education and Science and DDDA.
Minister Hanafin said this year there
will be 1300 building and modernisation projects active in our primary and
post primary schools. “Over €490m is being spent on the primary and
post primary projects throughout the country. Since 2000, the Government
has spent over €2billion improving the physical facilities available for
schools. This year we will continue with that programme which will see
facilities available in our schools around the country enhanced.”
Further approvals will be made during the year as agreement is reached on
accommodation requirements in individual schools.
Detailed briefs on up to 40 further priority building and modernisation
projects are also being progressed by the Planning and Building Unit of
the Department with a view to progressing into the architectural planning
process in the coming months.
Outlining the continuing progress in
the schools building and modernisation programme, Minister Hanafin said
“it is vitally important that children and teaching staff in our schools
have facilities which are suitable to their growing needs. By moving
projects through the schools building and modernisation programme, in a
planned way we can make steady progress with upgrading facilities that
will benefit the whole school community.”
Minister Hanafin said she will also,
very shortly, outline details of the schools set to benefit under the 2006
Summer Works Scheme, the Small Schools’ Scheme and the Permanent
Accommodation Scheme.
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