Summer Works Scheme Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2015

Tuesday, 10 November 2015

Questions (485)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

485. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, given the necessity to maintain health and safety standards in accordance with the highest requirements, she plans to include restoration of the playground surface as a priority for summer works or other schemes in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare whose application was previously unsuccessful; if this will be included in the budget for the project for 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39208/15]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Deputy will be aware that I recently confirmed the provision of €80 million over 2016 and 2017 for a multi-annual Summer Works Scheme for schools. This funding was initially promised as part of the Budget 2016 investment in schools. The funding will allow schools to carry out small and medium scale building works such as gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof and window upgrades, structural improvements; works that will improve and upgrade existing school buildings.

It is open to schools to prioritise the works they wish to undertake within the terms of the Scheme. Schools can now submit an application to my Department using the online Esinet portal facility. The closing date for receipt of applications is the 27th November 2015. It is open to the school referred to by the Deputy to consider this option for the works in question.