€1.3 Billion Spent on Modular School Buildings in Five Years, TDs Raise Concerns
The Public Accounts Committee heard that €1.3 billion has been spent on modular school buildings in five years. TDs Eoghan Kenny and Aidan Farrelly criticized the reliance on prefabs as an «ineffective and inappropriate» long-term solution, citing concerns about value for money and their impact on learning environments. The Comptroller and Auditor General expects the Department to justify the expenditure.
The Public Accounts Committee has been informed that €1.3 billion has been expended on modular buildings for schools over the past five years.
Labour TD Eoghan Kenny, a former educator, conveyed to the committee that these prefabricated structures, which he referred to as «prefabs», are not conducive to effective teaching or learning environments. While acknowledging that prefabs may occasionally be necessary, he expressed concern that the State is increasingly relying on modular buildings for long-term school accommodation. Kenny characterized this approach as not being a sustainable solution for schools, deeming it «ineffective and inappropriate» for housing students, especially those with special educational needs. He questioned the value for money and the procurement process associated with these buildings.
Mr. Kenny further stated his belief that no school principal would opt for prefabs over traditional brick-and-mortar structures. He voiced apprehension that the Department of Education might be shifting towards using prefabs instead of implementing long-term solutions. He described these structures as «a blight on communities across this country, they’re a blight on school communities and it’s an ineffective way for students to be learning in and it’s unfair on students and parents and particularly teachers ... almost to be put into sheds to teach in, I don’t agree with it.» He also reiterated his concerns regarding the cost-effectiveness of prefabs.
Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly echoed these sentiments, labeling the approach as «irresponsible.» He cited the example of St. Patrick’s school in Kildare, where the longevity of these prefabs reportedly failed teachers and communities. Farrelly noted that older prefabs are being replaced with newer ones, rather than with permanent buildings, and asserted that the Public Accounts Committee could not endorse this strategy. Comptroller and Auditor General Seamus McCarthy indicated that he would expect the Department to provide evidence demonstrating that modular buildings offer value for money.