Cork South Central Fine Gael TD, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed confirmation that construction of new schools and extensions in Carrigaline and Douglas will commence in 2013.
“In recent years Carrigaline and Douglas have seen a rapid increase in population, much of the increase has been young couples moving to the area and starting families. This has created a high demand for school places. The announcement by the Minister for Education will help meet the demand, delivering a new school for Carrigaline Educate Together National School and extensions for Carrigaline Community School and Douglas Boys’ National School. It is a recognition of the growing needs of these local communities and is a welcome development.
“In the last year or so extensions at St. Mary’s National School, Carrigaline and Ballygarvan National School have been completed. This year extensions were started at Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Rochestown, Scoil Nioclais, Grange, Frankfield and at Scoil Mhuire, these will be continued to completion next year. This year also saw the commencement of a new school at Ashton Comprehensive School. These projects represent an important investment in education and in future generations.
“Next year some €370 million will be spent by Government on primary and post-primary infrastructure. This will not only ensure that we have enough permanent school places to meet demand it will also create about 3,400 much needed direct jobs.
“The projects announced by the Minister will create about 25,000 new permanent school places. Of these, almost 21,000 will be additional places and the remainder will replace temporary or unsatisfactory accommodation.
“Every child growing up in Ireland deserves to have access to school which can meet their educational needs. The school construction projects announced for Carrigaline and Douglas will reassure parents that Government is prioritising the educational needs of children.”