The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn, T.D., has announced an additional €50 million investment in new school building projects as part of the Government's "Investing in Infrastructure & Jobs" Package.

The new funding will enable 28 new school building projects to go ahead. The Department’s total investment in these new school projects will come to €100 million, with the balance coming from the existing €2.2 billion school building budget for 2012 and 2016.

This major investment will see 18 primary schools and 10 post-primary schools replaced or refurbished to provide state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities for over 12,000 students.

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The 28 schools are in addition to the 275 major school building projects announced in March 2012 under the Five Year Plan. The schools that will be replaced or refurbished have completed extensive architectural planning already and can progress quickly to tender and construction before the end of this year.

The additional €50 million is being provided by the Department of Public Expenditure Reform under the Government €150 million "Investing in Infrastructure and Jobs" package.

It is expected that over 1,200 direct and indirect construction jobs will be created through the projects. Local communities will also benefit, as many schools make their grounds and buildings available for a range of community activities.

Commenting on the news, Minister Quinn said: "This announcement highlights the Government's commitment to prioritising investment in school buildings. Despite our economic difficulties, the need to replace inadequate educational infrastructure remains, and this stimulus package means that we can continue to deliver for our growing school communities. These projects will see over 10,000 students and their whole communities benefit from state-of-the-art accommodation, not to mention the economic boost to the construction industry."

(CD/MH)