€167m spent on Westmeath schools in last five years

The state has spent €167m in capital expenditure on County Westmeath schools in the last five years.

The figures came to light following a series of questions posed by Sinn Féin deputy, Sorca Clarke.

Deputy Clarke asked Minister for Education and Skills Hildegarde Naughton the expected delivery timelines for new primary and post-primary schools in Mullingar, Athlone, Longford Town, and surrounding areas.

In her reply Minister Naughton, said: “My department has invested more than €167m in capital expenditure since 2020 in County Westmeath. That investment has supported the completion of 31 school building projects including three new school buildings. Currently nine projects are in construction.”

The education minister said it was difficult to give an exact completion date: “Project time frames vary considerably in large capital programmes for many reasons, including factors beyond the control of my department, such as the time taken to secure a site or securing relevant statutory permissions including planning consent.

“The department must also manage the rollout of projects within the parameters of its NDP funding.

“Delivery of school building projects is managed as effectively as possible, prioritising the most urgent projects where capacity is already fully utilised, and deploying modular accommodation where additional space is needed in the short term.”