The amount of money being spent by the State on renting prefabs has been revealed by Ruairi Quinn.

Figures provided by the Education Minister showed almost €20 million a year is going towards this purpose for primary and post-primary facilities in Ireland, the Irish Examiner reports.

These numbers were revealed in written parliamentary answers to Fianna Fail TD Charlie McConalogue and indicated that 2012 saw €4.2 million spent on renting prefabs in Dublin, €2.7 million in Cork, €1.3 million in Galway and €1.1 million in Meath.

In addition, it was also disclosed that some schools have been waiting for classrooms for more than 30 years, with Gaelscoil Ui Riordain in Ballincollig, County Cork anticipating the introduction of new facilities since 1983.

To meet the demands of increased pupil numbers, Mr Quinn has drawn up a five-year building plan that should result in marked savings being made as rental payments for prefabs are ended.

Written by Donal Walsh

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