Taoiseach announces 'education campus' for Monaghan town
The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD, today announced that an education campus including a gaelscoil, gaelcholáiste and further education centre is to be built on the site of the former army barracks in Monaghan town.
During a visit to Monaghan, the Taoiseach said: ‘This is a very significant announcement for Monaghan which will dramatically modernise the town’s educational facilities.
‘The Department of Education and Science has now instructed Monaghan Vocational Education Committee to acquire the site and begin the process of outlining an accommodation brief for a new gaelscoil, gaelcholáiste and further education centre.
‘The move follows discussions between the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Defence.
‘The Monaghan VEC will lead the procurement process for the education campus which already includes a functioning PE hall, sports field and canteen facilities.
‘The new educational facilities will replace the old ones which are based in rented accommodation in Monaghan town.
‘Today’s announcement demonstrates this Government’s commitment to giving our students state-of-the-art school and educational facilities.’
The education campus is to be built on the former army barracks site subject to the usual statutory consents.
The multi-annual budget allocation for school buildings this year is almost €423 million for primary schools and €191 million for post-primary schools.
The Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe TD, announced 78 projects to start construction this year.
These projects will provide permanent primary school places for over 16,250 students in 29 new schools and 28 extended and modernised schools.
A further 14,075 students at post-primary level will benefit from 10 new schools and 11 major extension and refurbishment projects.
ENDS
30th November 2009