Nearly 80 primary schools in Westmeath will receive grants for small-scale repairs before the end of the month, that is according to Labour’s Willie Penrose. The funding for the 78 schools is granted under the Minor Works Scheme which was announced earlier this week.
Along with this the Summer Works Scheme has been re-opened to all primary and secondary schools.
News that the Summer Works Scheme has been reinstated for the first time in three years was confirmed by Minister for Education Ruaírí Quinn.
According to Deputy Penrose funding from the scheme will allow local schools to carry out works that will improve and upgrade existing school buildings. This includes small and medium scale building works such as gas, electrical, and mechanical works; roof and window upgrades; or structural improvements. It also minimises the disruption to students as this scheme applies to work undertaken during non-school time.
“It will also create direct and indirect local construction jobs,” added the Longford-Westmeath TD.
“It is up to all local primary and secondary schools to identify the most urgently required projects to be funded from the Summer Works Scheme, and to apply accordingly,” he advised.
“Meanwhile, the Minor Works Grant will be paid to every primary school in Westmeath by the end of the month. It provides them with a small amount of funding to carry out small capital or improvement works to the school. 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.
“I am especially pleased that these two schemes have been announced this week. Despite the funding constraints on the Minister’s capital budget, Minister Quinn continues to improve educational infrastructure in local communities.”
