02/05/2014

386 Schools To Undergo Improvements

Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, has announced that a further 386 schools across every county in Ireland will be able to undertake school improvements this summer.

More than 101,000 pupils will benefit from the second round of the Summer Works Scheme which aims to upgrade toilets and roofs in primary and secondary schools nationwide.

Almost €35m is being provided by the Department of Education and Skills under the second round of funding for the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) 2014.

This follows an announcement in March by Minister Quinn that 386 schools would also receive funding to the tune of almost €36m to undertake gas, electrical and mechanical works.

Speaking at Rathgar National School in Dublin today, one of the schools who will be receiving funding to upgrade their toilet facilities, Minister Quinn said: "We want to ensure that all of our children are safe, warm and secure in their schools.

"I have approved the spending of more than €70 million on the Summer Works Scheme in total to allow 772 schools undertake vital improvement works during the summer months when pupils are on holidays in order to minimise any disruption to the schooling.

"Despite the difficult economic environment, we are continuing to prioritise investment in school buildings which will enhance the learning and working environment for pupils and teachers."

(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.
07 November 2013
Additional €70m For School Improvements
Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, has announced the allocation of almost €70m for school improvements. More than €28m is being made available as a one-off payment to primary schools as part of the Government's Minor Works Grant scheme, while a further €40m will be allocated under the Summer Works Scene 2014.
17 December 2014
Education Minister Accused Of 'Attacking Primary Schools'
Fianna Fáil has accused the Education Minister of "attacking primary schools by reallocating vital primary funding to third level spending".
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.
29 April 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.