Hanafin adds 60 schools to building programme

MORE THAN 60 schools have been added to the school building programme and will begin the initial planning shortly, Education Minister Mary Hanafin announced yesterday.

They include 21 new primary buildings and two new second-level schools.

Ms Hanafin also announced progress on a new school in Dublin, to be jointly funded by her department and the Dublin Docklands Develompent Authority. The partnership will help build St Laurence O’Toole primary school at Seville Place.

Ms Hanafin said the 21 new primary schools are intended to be built using innovative methods, such as standardised design or the design-and-build process.

Also at primary level, 28 extensions and five refurbishment projects are to proceed to the architectural planning stage. At second-level, two new schools, five extensions and one refurbishment project have been approved.

Ms Hanafin said her department is working on detailed briefs on up to 40 further priority building and modernisation projects.

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) described the announcement as a step forward.

But general secretary John Carr said: “There are hundreds of schools in the building programme. Most will be disappointed their project was not included in yesterday’s news.”

Ms Hanafin said further approvals will be made during the year.

“It is vitally important children and teaching staff in our schools have facilities which are suitable to their growing needs,” she said.

“More than €490 million is being spent on primary and post-primary building projects throughout the country this year. Since 2000, the Government has spent over €2 billion improving the physical facilities available for schools.

“This year we will continue with that programme which will see facilities available in schools around the country enhanced.”