Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, that three schools in the constituency are to go to construction in 2012.
“This is great news for the three schools involved; Scoil Nioclais, Frankfield and Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Rochestown will get extensions and refurbishments, Ashton Comprehensive will get a new post primary school. These new facilities will greatly enhance facilities for everyone at the schools.
“Across Cork there are on-going projects of construction and refurbishment of schools. Already this year a new school was completed at Ballygarvan National School and Star of the Sea Primary School, Passage West and construction has commenced at St. Mary’s National School, Waterpark, Carrigaline. Earlier in the year the Minister also announced plans to develop three new schools in areas of Cork with high population growth.
“These projects are part of an overall announcement of 56 major school building projects that will be progressed nationwide next year, providing over 15,500 primary and 7,700 second level places.
“Despite the difficult economic situation and very tough budgetary constraints, the Government is prioritising investment in school buildings. Pupil numbers are expected to rise by 70,000 over the next six years; meaning we need to plan now to cater for a growing school going population.
“A total of €430 million will be spent on educational infrastructure next year, as part of a €2 billion five-year plan.”