Fine Gael TD, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed the inclusion of nine schools in Cork South Central in the five year building programme announced by the Government this morning (Monday).
“I am delighted that nine schools in Cork South Central have been included in the €1.5 billion five year building programme announced by the Minister for Education and Skills. In the five year period up to 2016, five new schools will be built; this will include two new primary schools and three new secondary schools. As well as the new schools, much needed extensions will be delivered for three primary schools and one secondary school.
“The location of these projects is in recognition of the growth of the population which has occurred in Cork South Central. Over the last ten years the population of Cork South Central has increased by over 9%, with much of this increase centred around young families who have set up home in Carrigaline, Douglas, Grange and Rochestown. This announcement is a commitment to these families and prioritising the education needs of their children.
“As part of this investment, a new Educate Together Primary School will be built at Heron’s Wood, Carrigaline, and the location of the other new primary school in the southern suburbs is yet to be finalised. Two new secondary schools are to be built in Carrigaline and a new post-primary school is also to be built at Ashton Comprehensive School. The building programme also includes extensions at: Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Rochestown; Carrigaline Community School; Douglas Boys National School; and Scoil Nioclais, Frankfield, Grange. Extensions to St. Angela’s and Scoil Mhuire secondary schools have also been included in the five year school building project.
“The schools included in this announcement are in addition to the 60 schools which are under construction at present, most of which will be completed during 2012. In Cork South Central a new school in Ballygarvan has been completed and work at St. Marys National School in Waterpark, Carrigaline, is due to be completed this year.
“A total of €1.5 billion will be invested by the Government between now and the end of 2016 to provide these new and improved school buildings. This will include 106 new schools and 65 extensions at primary level, 43 new schools and 49 extensions at second level, and 8 new special schools and 4 extensions at special schools.
“The Government is acting now in order to prepare for the huge increase in pupil numbers expected over the next few years. It’s anticipated that there will be an increase of 45,000 children going to primary school, and 25,000 at second level between now and 2018. In announcing a five year programme, the Government is delivering on its Programme for Government commitment to prioritise school building projects, while delivering approximately 18,000 jobs over the period of the programme nationally.”