Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of primary schools throughout the country currently dependant on prefabricated accommodation; his plans to address this issue in the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51582/12]
View answer270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of post- primary schools throughout the country currently dependant on prefabricated accommodation; his plans to address this issue in the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51583/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 270 together.
Currently, there are 496 primary schools renting 1,283 prefab units and 47 post-primary schools renting 131 prefab units throughout the country. (Please note that one prefab unit may consist of one or more classrooms and/or ancillary accommodation). Historical data in relation primary and post-primary schools with purchased prefabricated accommodation is not readily available.
As the Deputy may be aware I announced earlier this year a new initiative to replace rented prefabs in both primary and post-primary schools. Over 170 schools have been approved to replace rented prefabs with permanent accommodation. A total of €41.8 million has been allocated for this initiative which will result in approximately 6,000 pupils moving from prefabs into permanent classrooms and resource rooms when building works are completed in all schools. It is expected that this initiative will achieve savings of up to €5m per annum on the rental of prefabs in the coming years.
