Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 May 2017
156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if financial assistance will be provided towards the resurfacing of a playground in the case of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25004/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of a Category 10 application from the school in question to upgrade its play area under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) (2016-2017).
The Deputy will be aware that I announced details of the successful applicants under round two of the SWS (2016-2017) for Categories 3 - 6, on the 3rd May last, details of which are published on my Department's website, www.education.ie.
Funding of €47 million is being made available for vital school projects in school buildings; 438 schools nationwide will benefit from this announcement. In total, funding of almost €80 million has now been approved in respect of 635 schools for Categories 1 to 6 under the multi-annual Summer Works Scheme (2016-2017). Nearly 50% of all schools have applied for inclusion under the scheme which reflects a very high demand. Details of successful school applicants, in respect of Categories 1 to 6 can be accessed on my Department's website www.education.ie.
Assessment of valid projects in further categories will be considered in due course, 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 my Department's website. The application from the school in question is available to be considered in this context.
In the meantime, it is open to the school to use its Minor Works Grant to undertake interim works to the school yard should it consider the works to be a priority.
