The incredible target will see Coalisland-based specialist construction firm Western Building Systems provide new school places for 2,200 pupils, from greenfield site to completed buildings, in less than six months.

The contract, which equates to accommodating 110 children a week, was awarded to the Tyrone firm as part of a major design and build scheme launched by the Republic's Department of Education.

The company was one of 50 original applicants who were put through a rigorous selection process, largely based on past performance and experience.

Western, who are all-Ireland leaders in fast-track modular construction, have built up an impressive portfolio for delivering major new builds in incredibly quick timeframes in both the education and health sectors across Ireland.

However, even by their own high standards, this latest major contract will present a unique challenge to the company.

Managing Director Martin McCloskey said: "This is a huge job and the procedure for tender was one of the most thorough we have ever faced.
"We are naturally delighted to have been awarded such an important contract and work has started immediately in our Coalisland factory."

Mr McCloskey said the fact that the company had the facilities and expertise within its workforce to build so many schools at the same time, had been a crucial part of clinching the contract.

He also said the contract was a big undertaking but the company relished the challenge and it would set new standards for fast-track construction in school building.

"Our reputation has been built on delivering our projects on time and within budget and this is thanks to the efforts of our expert management team and staff,'' he added.

Work has already started on the seven primary schools, which have a combined size of 20,000 square foot and involve a mixture of designs with a combination of system and modular building.

The schools will offer additional education facilities for North Dublin, Wicklow, Co West Meath and Co Cork.

"Building so many schools in such a short time frame has never been done before in Ireland and we are delighted to once again be given the opportunity to lead the field in fast-track modular construction in Ireland," added Mr McCloskey.

Two years ago the firm secured major contracts worth more than e5.3 million at two hospitals in the Republic. The projects included a e4 million medical facility for Beaumont Hospital in Dublin and an oncology unit, costing e1.35 million, for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth.

The contracts provided for the supply and installation of steel-frame modular buildings with high-tech medical equipment included.