merrion street

“Funding of €30 million will see major improvements in primary and post primary schools around the country,” says Minister.

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, announced today by the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, T.D.
Speaking about the announcement Minister O’Sullivan stated: “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.
ENDS.

Note for Editors:

Please see attached listing of 197 school projects that have been approved funding under the multi-annual SWS. (2016-2017)

Applications from over 1,650 schools were received in response to a call for proposals in November last from schools under the multi-annual Summer Works scheme for 2016 and 2017.

The funding now being allocated will enable 135 projects at primary level and 62 projects at post-primary level in Categories 1 & 2 to be completed

The circular governing the scheme, available on the Department’s website, states that applications would be prioritised in the following categories:

Priority/Category 1: Gas Works
Priority/Category 2: Electrical Works
Priority/Category 3: Mechanical works
*Priority/Category 4: Projects for special needs pupils.
Priority/Category 5: Toilet facilities
Priority/Category 6: Roof works
Priority/Category 7: Window projects
Priority/Category 8: Curricular requirement projects
Priority/Category 9: Other structural improvements
Priority/Category 10: External environment projects
*Category 4 applications under previous Summer Works Schemes relate to projects to facilitate access to school for pupils with special needs. These applications are now considered under the Department's Emergency Works Scheme.