Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2017
136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if extra funding will be provided under the summer works project or otherwise to deal with outstanding issues of upgrading or maintenance with particular reference to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52305/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first school to which the Deputy refers was granted funding for roof works under the Summer Works Scheme (2016-2017) and subsequently applied to my Department for additional funding to meet tender costs. My Department's Professional and Technical Staff have assessed this application and have advised that the project should be retendered to achieve better value for money. Upon completion of this process the project costs will be reviewed and a decision in the matter will issue directly to the school authority.
In relation to the second school to which the Deputy refers, my Department is in receipt of a Category 10 application, external environment project, from the school under the same Summer Works Scheme, which is the current one. The Deputy will be aware that this Scheme is being applied on a multi-annual basis. The Deputy will also be aware that nearly 50% of schools have applied for inclusion under the scheme which reflects a very high demand. Almost €80 million has been approved to date for 640 school projects in project categories 1 - 6 under the Scheme. Details of successful school applicants in respect of these categories are published on my Department's Website www.education.ie. The 2018 budgetary provision will allow my Department to meet the carry-over costs of the projects already approved. The assessment of applications in the remaining categories, 7-10, is reliant on the availability of funding.
