Deputy Mulherin says this new initiative forms part of the Government’s €430 million education infrastructure plan for 2012 and is part of the biggest initiative ever undertaken to replace rented prefabs in schools throughout the country and is evidence of the Government’s commitment to investment in education.
The Mayo schools to be offered grants to build permanent accommodation this year are
Ballyvary Central NS
Behymore NS, Ballina
Breaffy NS, Ballina
Caoneal NS, Ballina
Lankill NS, Liscarney
Muire Gan Smal, Claremorris
Richmond NS, Crossmolina
Scoil Naomh Bríd, Culleens, Ballina
SN Chomain Naofa, Roundfort
SN Padraig, Corrabheagain, Knockmore, Ballina
“The funding will be used to replace prefabs that are used to provide resource rooms and classroom accommodation for pupils. A total of €35 million has been allocated for this initiative in 2012”, Deputy Mulherin said.
“At the height of the economic boom the previous Government had a policy of renting prefabs in schools. 715 new rental contracts were agreed for primary schools in 2007 alone. The result of this policy is that we have a legacy of rented prefabs in schools around the country.
"I met with the Minister a number of weeks ago and had a robust discussion of this issue where some Mayo schools are spending up to €100,000- a year on prefabs when this money could be used to service a loan to construct a much needed permanent building.
Common sense
"This situation has been prevailing for years. This is really a common sense and practical decision by the Minister. I want to thank the Taoiseach for his great support on this issue which I have discussed at length with him. I am delighted for the schools concerned. It also represents a significant boost for our local construction workers".
“The Programme for Government contains a commitment to reduce the reliance on rented prefabs in schools.”
Deputy Mulherin said that the scheme is not part of the five-year building programme, which will be announced in the coming weeks.
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