Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 May 2016
110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will include the improvements to the playground of a school (details supplied) in the summer works scheme, given the urgency of the required works, and the health and safety of the students attending the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9306/16]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I announced details of the successful applicants under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) (2016-2017) on 28 April last, details of which are published on my Department's website, www.education.ie. €30 million of the €80 million announced for the multi-annual SWS (2016-2017) is now being allocated for vital gas works and electrical upgrades in schools. 197 primary and post primary schools were included in the first round of successful applicants and I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the school to which he refers was approved funding for electrical works.
The SWS (2016-2017) provides that schools may apply for one small scale project only. It is therefore not possible to consider a further project for the school within the terms of the scheme. The responsibility for identifying the most urgently required project rests with the school authority.
I wish to advise the Deputy that it is open to the school to prioritise its Minor Works grant, which all primary schools received in November 2015, to undertake works of the nature described.
