IN A bid to get better value for money, the Department of Education is to retender a series of school building projects.
The review involves building projects in 10 schools at both primary and post primary level.
Announcing the move, Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe said the projects will provide permanent primary school places for over 1,850 pupils in three new schools and in six extended and modernised schools.
In addition, 600 students will benefit from a new post-primary school.
Mr O’Keeffe said: “These school building projects were previously offered for tender.
“However, the projects are now being retendered under the new form of contracts for public capital projects to get better value for money.
“My officials will shortly contact each school to guide them on the next steps to be taken,” he added.
Over €580 million will be spent on the school building programme this year.
With the downturn in the construction sector, tenders for school building projects are coming in at prices that are significantly less than last year, according to the Minister.
“There’s better value in the construction market and that’s the reason I’m putting these 10 projects out to tender again.
“We should remember, too, that many economic commentators work to the principle that every €255,000 of investment in construction activity is likely to generate a single job.
“Applying this theory to my capital programme should ensure that around 3,300 construction jobs will be secured this year,” the Minister added.
The following nine primary school projects and one post-primary school project are to be retendered:
Scoil Náisiúnta Tulach a Mhíle, Corlough, Co Cavan; Scoil Náisiúnta an Br M Ó Cleirigh, Creevy, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal;Scoil Mhuire Óg 1, Loreto College, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12; Scoil Bríde C, Palmerstown, Dublin 20; Marymount National School, The Rower, Inistioge, Co Kilkenny; Convent of Mercy National School, Borris-in-Ossory, Co Laois; Kilfinane National School, Co Limerick; Scoil Náisiúnta Cronáin Naofa, Dromakeenan, Co Offaly; Scoil Náisiúnta Cor Na Fola, Co Roscommonand Presentation College, Bray, Co Wicklow.
INTO general secretary John Carr said that the union could not fault Mr O’Keeffe for attempting to get better value for money from the planned school building programme.
However, Mr Carr added: “It must be remembered that these schools have been waiting for many years for essential building works.
“ It is vital that there is no time delay in moving these projects to completion.”
