Jonathan O'Brien
Question:174. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the summer works scheme and funding allocated for forthcoming applications. [46686/14]
View answerThursday, 4 December 2014
Questions (174)
Written answers
Over 1,600 applications were received under the 2014 Summer Works Scheme. In total, the spending of more than €70 million on the 2014 Summer Works Scheme has been approved to allow over 770 schools undertake improvement works. I wish to advise the Deputy that in view of the need to prioritise available funding for the provision of essential school accommodation, it is not possible for me to advance with a new summer works programme in 2015. In that regard, I also wish to advise the Deputy, however, that provision has been made in the 2015 allocation, on foot of the budget, for the carryover costs of the improvement works already approved in 2014.
Commensurate with the level of funding set aside for the Scheme, applications were assessed on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the Circular accompanying the Scheme. Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the Scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications. However, in accordance with the Scheme's Circular, these applications will be retained and will be prioritised for consideration in the future, subject to availability of funding.