Of these, 25 major school building projects that have planning permission will move to tender and construction shortly.
A further 27 major projects which have not yet secured full planning permission have been authorised to prepare their tender documentation and they are expected to go to tender and construction this year and early next year.
As well as that, 22 major school building projects approved to enter architectural planning in recent years will appoint design teams this year.
Another 29 high-priority major school building projects will begin the design process and appoint design teams this year.
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Announcing the move, Minister O'Keeffe said the Government’s sustained investment in the capital programme is transforming schools across the country.
"The 52 projects I am moving to tender and construction will create more than 23,500 school places in 20 new schools and 32 extended and refurbished schools," he said.
"At primary level, over 14,500 pupils will get permanent school places.
"At post-primary level, 1,900 pupils will get new permanent school accommodation in three new school buildings while a further 7,400 pupils will benefit from major extension and refurbishment projects in their schools. That is in addition to the 28 major projects already on site.
"Officials from my Department will be in contact with the schools about the next steps they should take."
Minister O’Keeffe said he was "acutely conscious" of the need for more school places after record birth rates in recent years.
"That is the reason I am authorising a further 51 projects to appoint design teams over the course of this year," he said.
"Over the coming weeks, I will announce school projects under the Summer Works Scheme which includes measures to promote water conservation and cut water bills."
The Minister said the school building programme would help create over 5,300 jobs in the construction industry.
(NS/BMcc)
