Funding to replace school classrooms must be extended – Deputy Seán Crowe

Sinn Féin’s Education Spokesperson Seán Crowe, TD, believes the second round funding announced this week by the Government that aims to replace prefab classrooms in 91 schools, whilst welcome, should be extended further.

He said: “The announcement this week of €26.5m funding will allow 91 schools to replace prefabs with permanent classrooms. It is part of an initiative that aims to improve schools across the State and will hopefully improve the classroom environment and the conditions for teachers and children alike.

“While this money is welcome, it highlights some of the current inadequacies  within the system and the poor state of many classrooms in schools that are simply not fit for purpose. I know that in my own constituency of Dublin South West, many teachers are expected to teach in overcrowded buildings that are of a very poor standard.

“It is vitally important that additional funding is directed towards paying for the upgrade of the school estate in order to ensure every child is taught in an environment that encourages and enhances learning. The funding announced this week, falls short of what is needed to modernise schools and bring them up to an adequate standard.”