€1.5 billion on 275 school projects nationally, creating 18,000 jobs.

Fine Gael Deputy for Dun Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has welcomed confirmation that four schools in Dun Laoghaire will be extended, as part of a major new school building programme announced by the Government. A total of 275 projects will be completed between 2012 and 2016, creating 18,000 jobs nationally.

“I am delighted that four schools in Dun Laoghaire will benefit from extensions to their premises as part of this major school building programme. Despite our difficult economic circumstances, the Government is determined to prioritise school building projects to cater for the projected increase in pupil numbers over the coming years.

“Four schools in the constituency will benefit from this investment for new and improved school facilities. They are the Senior College, Dún Laoghaire, Clonkeen College in Blackrock, Newpark Comprehensive in Blackrock and Scoil Lorcain in Monkstown. These projects will not only have a huge impact on the pupils, teachers and local communities in these schools, it will also give a significant boost in terms of job creation. At least 15,000 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs will be created nationally during the construction phase over the next five years.

“A total of €1.5 billion will be invested by the Government between now and the end of 2016 to provide these new and improved school buildings. This will include 106 new schools and 65 extensions at primary level, 43 new schools and 49 extensions at second level, and 8 new special schools and 4 extensions at special schools.

“The Government is acting now in order to prepare for the huge increase in pupil numbers expected over the next few years. It’s anticipated that there will be an increase of 45,000 children going to primary school, and 25,000 at second level between now and 2017.

“On top of the school projects announced today, a further 60 schools are already under construction and are due to be completed this year. It ’s also expected that some additional school projects may be announced during the term of the five year capital plan, to cater for increased demand in some areas.

“Education is being prioritised by this Government. Within extremely limited spending options we are taking the steps to ensure that our children are educated in safe, modern facilities. In recent weeks, funding of €35 million was also announced to put an end to the wasteful policy of housing our pupils in prefabs which was pursued by the Fianna Fáil Government for so many years.”