Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, TD, today welcomed the significant capital funding that will be invested in our education system through the Government’s €27bn capital programme.

Over the next six years some €3.8bn in direct funding will be invested in education projects. By comparison the initial allocation under the previous five year capital programme was €2.2bn.

An additional €200m in PPP funding over the life time of the capital programme will result in more than €4bn in public investment.

“This is a very significant investment in education – a policy decision that has been a hallmark of this Government. An additional 60,000 school places at primary and post-primary level has already been provided by this Government through new build and extensions projects. The quality of these school building projects is exceptional and they provide our youngest generation with a fantastic learning environment.”

“The new six year investment programme will fund the construction of 62,000 additional school places at primary and post-primary level to address demographic demand. Funding will also be available for the refurbishment of schools in older buildings that require improvement. The plan also provides for important investment of €210m in IT and wireless broadband capacity in schools. I am particularly pleased that the plan includes funding to replace prefabs with permanent accommodation.

“At third level some €350m will be invested in improving facilities at campuses across the country, with €40m dedicated to the major DIT development underway at Grangegorman,”

“This Government is increasing both current and capital investment in education. This will benefit all our citizens, with a very positive impact on our economic, social and cultural life. Today’s announcement of more than €4bn for capital development is a testament to this Government’s commitment to sustainable, long-term planning that has the interests of all citizens at its core.

Source: Press Release

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