Local councillors have welcomed the announcement of building improvements for Westmeath schools under the 2010 Summer Works Scheme.
Some 37 Westmeath schools will benefit from small and medium scale building works this summer under a €122 million investment announced on Monday by the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan.
The Summer Works Scheme covers projects in school buildings such as gas, electrical, and mechanical works, roof replacements and repairs, window replacement, toilet upgrades, structural improvements, and access works.
Speaking following the announcement, Cllr Robert Troy said the works are of “paramount importance” to individual schools, and that management, staff, and pupils of these schools would benefit from the scheme.
“The projects approved had been assessed as being priority projects by the individual schools themselves and that the capacity of schools to take responsibility for delivering small and medium-scale projects is a key component of the Summer Works Scheme,” he said.
“I would like to congratulate all the schools who have been included in this year’s scheme and to wish them well in the various projects they will undertake. This will also be a welcome boost to the local economy and will give an opportunity for the various building contractors in the area to tender for this much needed work.”
Cllr Ken Glynn particularly welcomed the investment in schools in the Mullingar area.
“I want to warmly welcome the works for Kilpatrick NS, Ballinea which will have electrical improvements, Presentation Convent Junior will get new toilets, Colaiste Mhuire will get new windows, St Finians will receive structural improvements, Ballinacaragy and Emper NS will get external environment works, and Presentation Senior School will benefit from heating works
“This is a huge endorsement of the great work done in all these schools and is a credit to all their staff, students, and their parents. This is good news particularly in tough times and I would ask the Government to continue to support our schools and education in general,” he added.
A record total of €122 million towards building improvements in 1,480 primary and secondary schools was announced under this year’s Summer Works Scheme, which it is believed will generate work for over 4,400 people during the summer period.
Tanaiste Mary Coughlan said the investment showed that the Government remains committed to “significant capital investment in key areas”.
“Education is a priority and this record level of investment in improving our schools’ infrastructure will not only improve the learning environment for thousands of students, but it will also stimulate economic activity by generating work for trades people across the country,” she added.
