Minister for Social Protection Éamon Ó Cuív has welcomed the announcement that plans for new primary and post-primary schools for Doughiska are to proceed to tendering.
Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan TD announced last Friday that the Doughiska schools are among eight projects around the country to be provided via Public Private Partnership.
“I am delighted Doughiska Primary School and Doughiska Community College are to progress to tender,” Minister Ó Cuív said. “This announcement is very positive for the community of Doughiska, which has a growing population with many young families. The schools’ physical fabric will facilitate the local area’s advancing needs. Both schools will be located on the same shared campus which will be extremely convenient for pupils and parents alike.
“The progress on these school projects demonstrates the Government’s desire to continue investing in the productive capacity of the west, to create employment in the construction industry, and to provide schoolchildren and teaching staff with the best surroundings in which to learn,” Minister Ó Cuív added. “The new modern buildings will also enhance the capacity of each of the schools to deliver even more effectively on the objectives of the curriculum.”
The Minister said that outline planning permission has been secured for both schools and, subject to the tendering process, it is expected construction will begin in 2012. Under the PPP model, the schools will be designed, built, financed, and maintained for 25 years by the successful tenderer.
“I wish to congratulate all those involved at a local level for bringing these important infrastructure projects to this crucial stage,” he added.
