Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2017
83. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department will provide funding to replace a flat roof in a school (details supplied) which is in bad repair and urgently needs work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6401/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is designed to allow schools to carry out small and medium scale building works that will improve and upgrade existing school buildings. This scheme is additional to other capital funding schemes that are operated by my Department such as the additional accommodation scheme, Emergency Works Scheme i.e. for projects of such urgency that they would prevent some or all of the school from opening, and Minor Works Schemes. The current SWS was announced in late 2015 and is being applied on a multi-annual basis for the years 2016 and 2017.
Nearly 50% of schools have applied for inclusion under the scheme which reflects a very high demand. It is a matter for school authorities to identify and decide on the project they regard as being most urgent for their school. The school in question has prioritised an application for mechanical works, Category 3, under the current scheme. Details of successful school applicants in respect of Categories 1 and 2 were announced in April last and are published on my Department's website, www.education.ie. Assessment of valid projects in further categories is now being undertaken by the Department, subject to the overall availability of funding, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the scheme as outlined in Circular Letter (0055/2015) which may be accessed on the Department’s website. The school’s application for mechanical works is available to be considered in this context.
In the meantime, primary schools also have access to the minor works grant i.e. €5,500 for each primary school plus €18.50 per pupil or €74 per special needs pupil, which all primary schools received last November, that may be utilised to carry out works in full or on a phased basis as that grant permits. It is open to the school in question to consider this option in the context of the roof works.
