The Department of Education has announced its plans to build 42 new schools over the next four years.

The announcement, made by Minister for Education Richard Bruton, detailed that 26 primary and 16 post-primary schools are to be built in the coming years.

A total of 17 schools are set to open as early as next year in locations such as Dublin, Cork City, and Galway. Nine other schools will open their doors in 2020, 14 will open in 2021, and the remaining two schools on the announcement list will open in 2022.

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23 of the schools in question will be in Dublin city or the greater area.

Out of the 26 planned primary schools, 16 of those will be 8 classroom schools and the other 10 schools are set to hold 16 classrooms.

The largest post-primary schools will hold 1,000 pupils, and the other sizes range from 500 pupils to 800 pupils.

However Fianna Fáil education spokesperson, Thomas Byrne, raised concerns regarding the announcement.

"Today's announcement by the Minister Bruton raises many many questions," he said.

"It is beyond belief that a study of demographics can throw up a list of schools radically different to a six year capital plan published just over two years ago."

Continuing, Mr Byrne questioned whether the proposed schools have "sites available, purchased or even looked at".

(CM/LM)