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Gogarty welcomes further progress on local school building projects

February 16 2010

Three schools to appoint design teams in Newcastle, Saggart and Rathcoole
Green Party Education Spokesperson Paul Gogarty TD today welcomed the announcement of progress on a number of school building projects in Newcastle, Saggart, Rathcoole, Palmerstown and Lucan. Ten schools in the constituency are to be permitted to appoint design teams from now until the last quarter of the year. (see note to Editors).
The announcement follows up on building project approvals made earlier in the year elsewhere in the constituency as well as the provision of additional teaching posts in three schools in Lucan and Clondalkin as part of the reversal of earlier teaching cuts largely secured by Deputy Gogarty during the negotiations for the renewed Programme for Government last October.
“I am delighted that further progress has been made in relation to a number of schools in my constituency. This is a reflection of the commitment made by the Green Party to ensuring that educational investment is protected during the current economic downturn,” he stated.
“Clearly further work is needed as other local schools are still waiting to progress and some will inevitably be disappointed. However the fact is that our area continues to perform strongly when compared with other areas nationally. I will continue to make representations on behalf of all the schools within my remit. Minister O’ Keeffe is in a stronger position than many Ministers as a result of the targets set by the Green Party in the Programme for Government negotiations and he is aware that with tender prices much lower than they were three years ago, now is the time to move forward on as many projects as possible,” added Gogarty.
The Minister today announced that 23,500 places would be provided in 20 new schools and 32 extensions as part of the Government’s €579 million school building programme. This investment will create more than 5,300 jobs in the construction industry.
Later this year the Minister will announce further projects under the Summer Works Scheme which includes measures to promote water conservation and cut water bills.

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