Schools to receive funding for improvements

A TOTAL of 101,000 pupils, including a large number from the Northside, are set to benefit from the second round of funding from the Government’s Summer Works Scheme.

Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn, announced last Friday that 386 schools will receive e35 million for vital school improvements which will be undertaken this summer.

St David’s National School, Artane, Chanel College, Coolock, Dominican College, Griffith Avenue, Grange Community College and Holy Trinity Senior National School, Donaghmede, Scoil Naisúnta Na Lanai Glasa on Seafield Avenue in Clontarf and Scoil Naisúnta Ide Cailini on Kilmore Road West are among the local schools that will benefit from the programme.

Dublin Bay North TD Sean Kenny (Lab) welcomed the announcement.

“This second round of funding will allow schools to carry out works to roofing and also to toilet facilities and gas systems,

? he said.

“Holy Faith Secondary School in Clontarf, St Eithne’s Senior Girls’ National School and St Monica’s National School, both in Edenmore, and Scoil Eoin in Greendale are all getting works done to their toilet facilities, which I understand is much needed work,

? he said.

Minister Quinn said:

“I have approved the spending of more than e70 million on the Summer Works Scheme in total to allow 772 schools undertake vital improvement works during the summer months when pupils are on holidays in order to minimise any disruption to the schooling.

“Despite the difficult economic environment, we are continuing to prioritise investment in school buildings which will enhance the learning and working environment for pupils and teachers.

?

It is estimated that 4,200 direct and 840 indirect construction jobs will be supported as a result of the scheme.