€2bn spent on school building in last five years

More than €2bn was spent on school building projects between 2000 and 2005, according to a report published by the Department of Education today.

The report says more than 6,500 projects had been delivered over the five-year period, including the building of new schools and the extension and refurbishment of existing buildings.

Launching today's report, Minister for Education Mary Hanafin said another €3.9bn has been allocated by the Government for similar upgrades over the next five years, with 1,300 projects due to be completed this year.

She also said her officials were working to find temporary accommodation for a school in Bettystown, Co Meath, where 100 pupils are currently being accommodated in racecourse buildings.

Responding to reporters' questions, the minister said her department and the school's board of management were “looking at all options” to ensure accommodation could be provided by the start of the new school term.

She said the school had already been offered temporary accommodation, but local residents objected to the move.