Butler welcomes investment in schools in Trim and Enfield

Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler, has today welcomed confirmation from the Government that two schools in Meath are set to benefit under a €100 million investment in the school building programme. The funding has been announced as part of the Government’s “Investing in Infrastructure & Jobs” Package.

“I am delighted that refurbishment and extension works are due to be carried out at Naomh Padraig National School in Enfield and the Boyne Community School in Trim thanks to this major investment package. This will make a huge difference to the students, staff and parents from both schools.

“State-of-the-art classrooms and facilities will be provided for over 10,000 students nationwide as part of this major investment package. A total of 28 schools will benefit as part of this package, which is on top of the 275 major school building projects announced in March of last year.

“I understand that it is hoped that the schools included in this latest announcement will be progressed quickly, with construction due to take place before the end of the year. I certainly hope this is in the case for Naomh Padraig NS and the Boyne Community School.

“The construction work on these schools is being joint funded between the Department of Public Expenditure Reform, which is providing an additional investment of €50 million, and the Department of Education and Skills, which will draw down the remaining funds from its overall capital budget.

“This is a very positive development for the local communities in Enfield and Trim. The Government is determined to provide for our ever-expanding school population, despite economic constraints. By investing in school building projects now, we can ensure we have the right infrastructure in place to cater for the major increase in student numbers expected over the coming years.

“This investment programme will create about 1,200 direct and indirect construction jobs nationwide as the projects are carried out. I have been advised that no further action is required from Naomh Padraig NS or the Boyne Community School; the Planning and Building Unit of the Department of Education and Skills will communicate directly with them regarding the next steps to be taken.”

ENDS