Forty-three major school building projects are to go to tender and construction this year, Irish Eduction Minister Batt O'Keeffe has confirmed.

The works will include extensions to existing schools and refurbishment schemes.

Mr O'Keeffe said: "Five of these school building projects are being re-tendered under the new form of contracts for public capital projects to get the best value for money in the construction sector.

"The remaining 38 projects will go to tender and construction as soon as possible and it's expected that building work will begin on the majority of these projects this year."

He pointed out that, this year, a record €656m will be invested in the school building programme.

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"The 43 major projects I'm announcing to proceed to tender and construction, along with the 35 projects I've announced over the past four months, represent a very significant amount of new business for the construction industry at a time of severe contraction in the sector," said the Minister.

'"The more competitive environment in the construction sector will allow me to maximise the return I get for the capital resources invested in the school building programme."

Mr O'Keeffe also announced details of 25 high-priority major school building projects that are now to start architectural planning.

The majority of these projects were previously approved in principle to enter architectural planning.

"These projects have been selected to start architectural planning now because they'll provide a significant number of extra school places in areas where demographic demand is great,

"Later in the year, I intend to announce further projects to begin architectural planning and I'll shortly reveal full details of this year's Summer Works Scheme and a new plan to improve energy efficiency in schools," added the Minister.

(PR/JM)