Three schools in Westmeath are to receive funding for upgrades this summer, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, has announced this week.
The schools in Westmeath receiving funding under today’s announcement include St Mary’s College, Mullingar to improve access for all; and St Peter’s NS, Athlone and Scoil Cholmain Naofa, Bellview, Mullingar, both of which are due a number of mechanical improvements to their plumbing and heating systems.
A breakdown of the funds allocated was not released because of the sensitivity of the tendring process, a Department source confirmed.
An additional €4.8 million in funding under the summer works scheme and jobs initiative has been made available for 51 schools across the country, which brings to a total of 878 the number of schools nationwide that are to have essential works carried out over the school holidays.
“In March of this year, I indicated that €41.2 million would be available for the Summer Works Scheme for 2011, allowing 453 schools to proceed with improvements to their schools under the categories of gas, electrical, and mechanical works,” said Minister Quinn.
In May, an additional €30 million was made available for the year, allowing an additional 374 schools to make improvements in areas such as roofs, toilets, window,s and accessibility.
With both of these announcements, some schools were disappointed to discover that their applications had not been successful, and some of these submitted appeals to the Department.
“I am pleased to announce that an additional €4.8 million is being made available to fund the projects of 51 schools who have had their appeals upheld,” said the Minister.
In total, up to €76 million will now be spent between the summer works scheme and the jobs initiative this summer on improving the quality of 878 schools across every part of the country.
