At least €3.38 million will be invested in Galway’s schools in the coming weeks under the Minor Works Grant Scheme, which will see every school in the city and county receiving funding.
Under the Scheme, there will be a flat rate payment of €5,500 for primary, and €10,000 for secondary schools, as well as a payment based on the number of pupils enrolled: €18.50 per primary pupil and €55 per secondary pupil. A higher rate of €74 and €220 is paid for pupils with special needs at primary and secondary levels respectively.
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The scheme will allow schools use the funding for improvements to buildings and grounds, and purchase of furniture, IT equipment, and other equipment. This year there is emphasis on helping schools undertake works to ensure social distancing, improve ventilation, and enhance cleaning due to the on-going threat of Covid-19.
The funding has been welcomed by Fine Gael Galway senator, Seán Kyne. “This allocation will be warmly welcomed by the many teachers and principals who have contacted me on this Scheme in recent months," he said. “The Minor Grants Scheme represents a €55 million investment in our schools across the State, and comes at a time when all schools continue to work exceptionally hard to stay open during the pandemic."
