A NUMBER of Northside schools have received a boost going into the new year following the announcement of a major upgrade programme.
Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh has announced that 307 schools will receive more than €40 million for Summer Works projects for delivery in 2019.
Minister McHugh said the funding will see major improvements in primary and post-primary schools across the country.
“I am delighted to be able to make such a substantial amount of money available to benefit 307 schools nationwide,” he said.
“This €40 million investment secures money for schools to upgrade windows, meet curricular requirements and make structural improvements to buildings.
“The work will be carried out in schools mainly over the summer months, so the disruption to students, teachers and other staff will be kept to a minimum.
“We have also made sure that schools are getting the notification earlier to try to give principals and boards of management a better lead in time to plan and then deliver their summer works.”
Minister McHugh said the capacity of schools to take responsibility for delivering small and medium-scale projects is a key component of the Summer Works Scheme.
Balscadden National School, Corduff National School, Lusk, St Colmcille’s Girls’ National School, Swords, Mary Queen of Ireland National School, Toberburr, St Helen’s Senior National School, Portmarnock, Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, Holy Trinity SNS, Scoil Chaitriona, Scoil Muire Agus Iosef, Scoil Eoin, St Paul’s College, Coláiste Dhúlaigh and Holy Faith Secondary School are among the schools that will receive window improvement works.
Scoil Chiaran, Scoil Neasain and Scoil Naomh Colmcille will receive funding for structural improvements and the Donahies Community School will get funding for curricular requirements.
Senator Catherine Noone, a Fine Gael candidate in Dublin Bay North for the next general election, welcomed the funding for schools in her area. Senator Noone said it will enhance the learning and working environment for pupils and teachers.
“It is great that this announcement is being made now to give schools more time to prepare for the planned works,” she said.
Dublin Fingal TD Alan Farrell (FG) welcomed the funding announced for the schools in his constituency.