Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has announced the development of 56 new school building plans as part of a 430 million euro investment in education infrastructure for 2012.

The proposals includes 26 new primary schools and nine secondary schools - as well as extensions to existing facilities - that will provide classroom resources for over 15,500 primary and 7,700 secondary pupils.

Mr Quinn said that as total enrolment in the education system is set to grow by around 70,000 by 2018, it is vital work is done to boost the number of places available.

"We have to ensure that every child growing up in Ireland will have access to a physical school place," he stated.

The minister added so far this year, major building projects have been completed at 55 schools, while a further 60 facilities are currently under construction with the majority to be finished in 2012.

Last month, as part of the Infrastructure and Capital Investment review, Mr Quinn stated school building will have to be a top priority due to the rising birth rate in Ireland.

Written by Donal Walsh

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