No level playing field in State fund for schools
Department of Education figures, seen by the Irish Examiner, reveal how each county fares when it comes to capital spending.
The 1999-2003 spending figures also show huge fluctuations in spending in individual counties before and during 2002 the general election year. Even in Louth, with the lowest spend per pupil, the figure increased almost tenfold between 2000 and the general election, but dropped by nearly €450,000 in 2003.
The figures make interesting reading for parents.
Children going to primary school in Offaly, for example, have enjoyed nearly three times as much funds between 1999 and 2003 as those in Kerry, Wexford, Laois, Galway and Louth.
The figures measure capital funding the money spent bringing primary school classrooms and facilities up to modern standards over the last five years.
While there are factors affecting the amount which needs to be spent in each county, the differences are quite alarming.
Topping the nationwide list was Offaly, whose 8,000-plus primary pupils received the equivalent of almost €2,000 each between 1999 and 2003, followed by Wicklow, Kildare and Kilkenny (€1,809, €1,645 and €1,507 per pupil, respectively).
But the public spending apportioned to Louth in the same period was less than €600 per pupil. Kerry, Wexford, Laois and Galway primary schools also got less than an average of €700 per pupil in those years.
The figures were calculated by taking the total spent on primary buildings in each county during those five years provided by Education Minister Noel Dempsey in answer to a parliamentary question by Fine Gael TD Paul McGrath and dividing by the number of pupils in primary schools in the 2001/'02 academic year.
The Dept of Education said figures are not considered an accurate reflection of how the building needs of schools are met. A spokesperson said money is spent where there is most need, rather than on a political or other basis.
"The fact that every county gets a different allocation does not mean some are being treated more favourably.
"Around €185 million has been set aside this year for primary school building projects, covering everything from site acquisition, design and planning to construction and fitting-out costs. This does not include almost €20m divided among every primary school in the form of grants for minor works."
