€580 million will be spent on building new primary and post-primary schools as well as upgrading existing facilities, while the higher education sector will have an allocation of €265 million.

Overall, the building programme for 2009 has seen a 15 per cent funding increase compared with 2008.

“Some economic commentators work to the principle that every €255,000 of investment in construction activity is likely to generate a single job,” Mr O’Keeffe said.

“Applying this theory to my capital programme should ensure that around 3,300 construction jobs will be secured this year.”

While several of the schools built in 2009 are likely be part of the public-private partnership (PPP) programme, Minister O'Keeffe has said he is determined to ensure that the state will secure better value for money in the procurement and construction of all educational facilities.

“Value for money in the delivery of the capital programme is essential to ensure that the maximum benefit accrues to maximum number of schools and institutions, their pupils and students, teachers and academic staff, parents and, not least, taxpayers who ultimately foot the bill for the Government’s capital programme.” (Source: Irish Times)