4,636 students in Co. Meath to benefit from vital school improvement works – Butler

Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler today, (Friday) welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Education and Skills that 17 schools in Co. Meath will undergo works over the Summer. This is part of a national programme which sees €35 million invested in a further 386 schools.

“Following many representations to the Minister on behalf of Co. Meath I am delighted that so many schools will benefit from this scheme. The second round of funding for the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) 2014 will aim to upgrade toilets and roofs in primary and secondary schools nationwide.

“Roofs and toilets in Oldcastle, Killyon, Kells, Ceannanus Mór, Kildalkey and Navan will receive much needed attention over the Summer months. Students in this area deserve to learn and to be taught in safe, warm and secure schools. This is a significant investment by the Government and a strong indication of our dedication to prioritising investment in school buildings.

“These works are scheduled during the summer months when pupils are on holidays and there will be minimal disruption.

“This news is also a welcome boost for the construction sector in Meath which has suffered during the economic downturn. These jobs will support the community while improving the facilities available to our children. It is estimated that 4,200 direct and 840 indirect construction jobs will be supported across the country as a result of the scheme.  

“I am also very pleased to see that 80% of applications submitted for this funding have been approved. Schools in Meath who identify and decide on projects they regard as a priority have a good chance of seeing their applications approved.”