IPPN

DES Press Release - Over 700 schools to improve facilities under Summer Works Scheme

Published: 30 January 2006

Hanafin says funding of €78m will see significant improvements around the country

740 schools around the country are being given funding to complete essential small scale projects under the 2006 Summer Works Scheme. Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin T.D. today outlined details of the 461 primary schools, 268 post primary schools and 11 Post Leaving Cert colleges throughout the country that will benefit from the scheme.

Approximately €78m will be spent by schools this summer on projects such as gas, electrical and mechanical upgrades, refurbishment of Science labs or Home Economics rooms, roof replacement and repairs, window replacement, toilet upgrades, structural improvements and access works.

Announcing details of the schools which will see improvements this summer Minister Hanafin said "in the past two years over €100m has been spent on schools under the Summer Works scheme. This year, I have sought to provide sanction and funding to schools at the earliest possible opportunity, to enable schools plan and manage the works they have prioritised. By schools undertaking works such as roof repairs, window replacement and mechanical and electrical upgrades during the summer months, there is minimal disruption for the school community.

Included in this years Summer Works projects is the provision or refurbishment of Science labs in 24 post primary schools and 12 Home Economic rooms. At primary level, pupils in 43 schools will

enjoy improved outdoor play areas, which are used for the delivery of all aspects of the physical education programme.

It is clear, as I go around the country visiting schools, this scheme has proven to be a great success allowing schools to upgrade facilities and undertake significant works which are of huge benefit to the whole school community."

All the schools covered by the initiative will be contacted directly by the Building Unit of the Department with details of the grant aid being provided and instructions on how to proceed.

See list of total projects below. Full list of schools in each county in separate attachment.


County	No. of Schools	Amount (€m)
Carlow	14	1.4
Cavan	16	1.2
Clare	16	1.2
Cork	80	7.7
Donegal	23	1.8
Dublin	172	28
Galway	50	3.5
Kerry	30	2.5
Kildare	25	1.9
Kilkenny	16	1.6
Laois	10	1
Leitrim	11	0.5
Limerick	19	2
Longford	7	0.7
Louth	17	2
Mayo	26	3.2
Meath	32	1.7
Monaghan	13	1.7
Offaly	19	1.3
Roscommon	8	0.7
Sligo	17	1.3
Tipperary	28	2.3
Waterford	22	2.7
Westmeath	21	1.5
Wexford	24	2.6
Wicklow	24	2
	740	78