26 New School Builds 'Out In The Cold'

A lack of finance has halted the building of 26 new schools in Ireland, Fine Gael has insisted.

Brian Hayes, Education Spokesman for the party has called on newly appointed Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe to take action.

Mr Hayes claimed the Minister has left schools "out in the cold" after giving the go-ahead for new building projects.


"From information I have obtained from the Department it is clear that a new era of cutbacks is well and truly upon us. Twenty-six much needed school projects in 18 counties are stuck on a list while the Department of Education refuses to give them the green light," Mr Hayes said.

"It must be highlighted that these projects represent major works in terms of the school building programme and were expected to be part of the Minister’s announcement in February of this year."

Mr Hayes blamed "atrocious management on the part of the Department of Education and Science" for the Minister failing to provide a start time for the 26 school buildings.

(PR)