IPPN

Published: 21 October 2010

MORE than 1,800 schools are to receive grants worth almost €10 million to help reduce their water usage and save money – almost a year after applying for funding.

The country’s 4,000 primary and second-level schools were told by the Department of Education before reopening in August they should conserve water to save on bills from their local councils. But the Irish Examiner reported last month that almost half of them applied for water conservation grants advertised in October 2009, and were led to believe the funding would have been available to carry out the work during the summer holidays.

The delays could cost schools up to €3m in a full year, according to the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), which said parents would be forced to help fund those shortfalls.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan will announce today that department officials will contact 1,823 schools approved for the €9.75m funding shortly to instruct them how to proceed. The grants, averaging €5,348 per school, will cover the costs of installing percussion spray taps, thermostatic mixing valves and water displacement devices.

"I would ask schools to ensure that they get best value for money on prices for jobs in the more competitive construction market," the Education Minister said.

Full Story: www.irishexaminer.com