Coffey welcomes additional €70m in funding for school improvements

Schools in need of repairs urged to apply for Summer Works Scheme funding

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has today (Thursday) welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn TD, of almost €70 million which is to be made available as part of the Minor Works Grant Scheme and the Summer Works Scheme.

Deputy Coffey said this funding will help to improve the learning environments in which children are taught and will allow schools to identify building and maintenance projects for which they can apply for funding.

“The allocation of €28 million under the Minor Works Scheme and €40 million under the Summer Works Scheme will be welcomed by schools the length and breadth of the country. The fact that the Summer works Scheme is being introduced and the allocation under the minor works Scheme is being matched at 2011 levels is great news for schools and our children’s education.

“Once off payments will be made to primary schools under the Minor Works Scheme, allowing schools to carry out small capital or improvement works as they see fit. Each school will receive a payment of €5,500 per school, and a further €18.50 per mainstream pupil, or €74 per pupil with special needs. This will mean that a primary school with 300 pupils will receive a grant of over €11,000, with special needs schools of 100 pupils in line to receive almost €13,000. Schools are being asked to manage their allocation prudently and to make the best use of the funds that are available.

“Where the Summer Works Scheme is concerned, €40 million is being allocated for 2014 under the reintroduction of the Scheme. This will allow schools to improve and upgrade school buildings, with works being carried out during the school holidays next year. The type of works schools can undertake include structural improvements, roof and window upgrades and electrical works.

“Each school can apply for one small scale project to be carried out so I would urge any school in Waterford to identify works that need to be prioritised and to apply online without delay using the Esinet portal or to call the freephone number (1800 200 955). I am delighted that all primary schools in Waterford are in line to receives some funding under the Minor Works Scheme and am hopeful that those who apply to have summer work carried out will be successful.”