Tánaiste announces €122m scheme to get building improvements underway in 1,480 schools this summer, generating work for over 4,400 people

“Summer Works Scheme funding of €122m will see major improvements in primary and post primary schools across the country” – Coughlan

1,480 primary and post primary schools across the country will benefit from small and medium scale building works this summer under a €122 million investment announced today (Monday, 19 April 2010) by the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Ms. Mary Coughlan, T.D.

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.  The Tánaiste said that this record level of investment through the Summer Works Scheme had the potential to generate work for over 4,400 trades people across the country during the summer period.

Making the announcement while on a visit to the Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town, the Tánaiste said: “Despite the current fiscal constraint, 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”.

1,113 primary schools and 367 post primary schools are to benefit this summer.

The Tánaiste said that 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.  She also asked schools to ensure that they get the very best value for money on prices for jobs in the more competitive construction market.

The Planning and Building Unit of the Department of Education and Skills will shortly contact all schools approved for grant aid under the Summer Works Scheme with further details and instructions on how to proceed.  In total this year almost €579 million will be invested in school building infrastructure under the school building and modernisation programme.

Categories of work eligible for funding under SWS 2010, in order of priority.

Priority/Category 1:            Gas Works
Priority/Category 2:            Electrical Works
Priority/Category 3:            Mechanical works
Priority/Category 4:            Projects to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils
Priority/Category 5:            Toilet facilities
Priority/Category 6:            Roof works
Priority/Category 7:            Window projects
Priority/Category 8:            Curricular requirement projects
Priority/Category 9:            Other structural improvements
Priority/Category 10:           External environment projects

A list of the 1,480 primary and post primary schools is here .