Two Athlone primary schools will receive funding as part of the ‘summer works’ project, it has been announced by Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD.
St. Paul’s National School and Dean Kelly National School, both based on the west side of Athlone, will benefit from necessary upgrades as a result of the allocated relevant funding.
Announcing the list of successful applicants the Minister said, “funding of more than €40 million for the Government’s Summer Works projects in 2019 will see major improvements in primary and post-primary schools across the country and I am delighted to be able to make such a substantial amount of money available to benefit 307 schools nationwide.
“This €40 million investment secures money for schools to upgrade windows, meet curricular requirements and make structural improvements to buildings,” the Minister said.
The Minister noted that schools were receiving the notification earlier to enable principals and boards of management a better lead in time to plan and then deliver their summer works.
“The capacity of schools to take responsibility for delivering small and medium-scale projects is a key component of the Summer Works Scheme.
“I am confident that school authorities will be able to achieve best value for money on prices for jobs and I’m urging schools to ensure that they get the maximum benefit for their schools,” the Minister continued.
The Government’s Project Ireland 2040 plan includes a major package of investment in education for the next decade.
“This investment will provide for the continued increase in demographics while also allowing for a greater focus on refurbishment and upgrading of existing schools.
“The €40 million Summer Works Scheme demonstrates that the Government is continuing to prioritise capital funding for school buildings which will enhance the learning and working environment for pupils and teachers.
“I’m also committed to a new Summer Works Scheme which will open for applications in early 2019 for projects to be delivered from summer 2020,” Minister McHugh concluded.
