Cork South Central Fine Gael Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed a €35 million initiative by the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn, TD, to reduce the use of prefabs in primary schools.
“I welcome this initiative to reduce the use of prefabs in our schools. In recent years there has been an over reliance on this expensive, quick fix solution, without any regard for the long term development of our school infrastructure.
“In keeping with the Government’s commitment to phase out the inefficient renting of school prefabs the Minister is providing €35 million to build permanent accommodation in 200 schools. This money is in addition to the five year building programme and it is estimated that it will benefit 6,000 pupils.
“In Cork South Central four schools have been offered this grant aid; Glasheen Boys National School, Scoil Mhuire Lourdes, St. John’s Girls National School in Carrigaline and St. Joseph’s National School in The Mardyke. These schools will have the opportunity to apply for funding to replace their existing prefabs with permanent classrooms. I would encourage principals and management in these schools to take advantage of this opportunity to improve the facilities available to their pupils.
“This announcement has the potential to benefit one third of all schools that rent prefabs and will result in savings of approximately €5 million per annum. As well as these direct savings this funding will generate revenue for local economies, creating an estimated 700 direct and 140 indirect much-needed jobs.”