Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2009
1140 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of prefab classrooms throughout the counties of Longford and Westmeath; the cost of same to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33345/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a total of 45 prefab units, (ranging from 16m2 to 473m2) being rented by schools in the Longford and Westmeath area. The total annual rental cost for all units is €824,215. It is anticipated that there will be a saving of at least €14m in expenditure on rental of temporary accommodation in 2009, compared to 2008. This clearly demonstrates the efforts being made by my Department to reduce spending in this area. The saving arises mainly from a reduction in the number of new rental contracts being entered into as a result of recent policy measures. The downward trend in expenditure on rented accommodation is expected to continue into 2010 and onwards.
