200 classes to move out of prefabs

Almost 200 classes will move from prefabs into permanent buildings as part of the latest phase of a €40m investment to reduce rental costs.

Ruairi Quinn, the education minister, has approved funding for 91 schools to replace prefabs with permanent classrooms. In all, 194 mainstream classes and 105 rooms for resource teaching and learning support will be constructed.

As well as having direct benefits for about 6,000 pupils and their teachers, the scheme is expected to create work for about 840 people in construction and related industries. In addition, the Department of Education will save in the region of €5m a year in rental costs associated with prefabs.