AN EDUCATION body was accused of wasting money after it spent €52,000 replacing windows in an empty building.

The money was spent fitting new windows in a vacant wing of a Portlaoise building owned by Laois VEC, which is not scheduled for use until at least July 2012.

Local activists said the money would have been better spent on education at a time when budgets are about to be slashed by the government.

Former councillor Michael Moloney said: "In the budget that is only weeks away, it is estimated the cut in education will be in the order of €400m.

"Yet in the very week that this information is laid before the public, we have a VEC installing new windows in an empty building.

"This is happening while children around the country are being denied special needs hours within the same education system."

Anne O'Keeffe of Laois VEC said: "The building is the former vocational school in the centre of town, which houses a new Educate Together primary school.

"This building is leased by the Department of Education from Co Laois VEC for a two-year period until July 2012 for the [primary school].

"The building was refurbished by the department to make it suitable for this purpose. As the older section of the building is not needed for everyday use by the primary school, it was not refurbished.

"However, it has been identified by the fire officer as a fire/emergency exit for the existing school, which prevents the VEC using it for other purposes.

"It was deemed necessary to replace the windows to secure that part of the building and eradicate dampness."

O'Keeffe said that when full control of the complex reverted back to the VEC in July 2012, it would be used for adult education, youth services and administration.

The VEC also said that local politicians had complained about the appearance of the building before a decision was made to upgrade it.

However, some local representatives said the price of replacing a small number of windows seemed excessive.