29/04/2016

€30m Funding Secured For School Works Scheme

Almost 200 schools are to share a €30 million investment under the multi-annual Summer Works Scheme, the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan, has said.

197 primary and post primary schools will be included in the first round of successful applicants who have been approved funding under the multi-annual Summer Works Scheme for 2016 and 2017 to improve and upgrade existing school buildings.

Minister O'Sullivan said: "Of the €80 million announced for the multi-annual Summer Works Scheme (2016-2017), €30 million is now being allocated for vital gas works and electrical upgrades in schools. The majority of works will be carried out in schools over the summer months, so as to minimise disruption to students, teachers and other school staff.

"The capacity of schools to take responsibility for delivering small and medium-scale projects is a key component of the Summer Works Scheme. The projects approved have been assessed as being priority projects by the individual schools themselves. These works are deemed to be absolutely necessary and we have been able to provide Boards of Management and Patrons with the funding necessary to address the schools' needs"

According to Minister O'Sullivan: "This is positive news for schools. It will also provide an important capital injection to the construction sector and boost job creation. In 2016, my Department will invest over €525 million in school infrastructure. It's an important investment that needs to continue as our economy recovers."

Schools approved for grant aid under this year's Summer Works Scheme can access further details and instructions on how to proceed on-line using the Department's Esinet Portal.

(MH/CD)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

06 May 2014
Call For Permanent Reinstatement Of Summer Works Scheme
Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has been urged to permanently reinstate the Summer Works Scheme and Minor Works Grant for schools, following the publication of a list of schools that will benefit from the temporary reinstatement of the Summer Works Scheme this year.
09 July 2010
Grant Aid For Clare School Works
Irish Defence Minister, Tony Killeen has confirmed that funding has been approved for the replacement of the main oil burner and boiler at Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna. The North Clare Deputy says he received confirmation of the grant allocation from the Department of Education and Skills.
04 August 2015
Minor Works Scheme Failure Raising Parents Back-To-School Costs - FF
The government's failure to commit to a Minor Works Scheme for schools is resulting in higher back-to-school costs for parents, Fianna Fáil has claimed. According to the party's Education Spokesperson Charlie McConalogue, schools are being forced to increase the voluntary contributions asked of parents in order to just keep the school running.
20 April 2010
Over €100M School Works Announced
Some 1,480 primary and post primary schools across the country will receive small and medium scale building works this summer as part of a €122 million investment announced today by the Tánaiste.
01 April 2011
School Buildings Projects Get Green Light
The Irish Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has this week announced a €41.2m Summer building works scheme. he said that 453 primary and post-primary schools were listed as successful applicants. Speaking about the scheme, Minister Quinn said: "The works in question cover projects in school buildings such as gas, electrical and mechanical works.