Review of temporary classrooms
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THE Department of Education are engaging in ongoing negotiations with suppliers in an effort to end rental contracts for temporary buildings at schools.
Minister of State at the Department of Education, Seán Haughey TD, said a review of the provision of temporary accommodation in schools was well underway, which included the purchase of facilities.
'One aspect of the review involves the development of standard specifications for temporary accommodation, the development of new contractual terms to incorporate buy-out and relocation options to cater for individual local circumstances and appropriately protect the interests of the department and school authorities,' said Minister Haughey.
'A further strand involves negotiations with prefab suppliers to buy out existing rental contracts or reductions in annual rent, as appropriate.'
Minister Haughey said an initial group of 46 schools with rented prefabricated accommodation had been identified for priority negotiations with suppliers to buy out existing rental contracts. 'A number of these prefabs have now been bought out, including the prefabs at St Oliver Plunkett's, and negotiations are ongoing with a view to ending rental contracts for as many schools as possible in 2010,' he added. 'The buy-out of temporary accommodation units at the school is part of a wider strategy adopted by the department to achieve best value for money and to reduce overall rental costs for schools in general.'
- Robin KIELY
