A number of local schools are among 386 schools nationwide that will receive almost €35 million for vital school improvements as announced by Minister Ruairi Quinn this week. Among those schools to benefit are Castlelyons Boys National School, Aglish NS and Blackwater Community School in Lismore (all for roof works).

In the first round of funding, six local schools got funding approved for electrical and mechanical works, including Castletownroche NS, Glanworth NS, St Fanahan’s College, Glanmire Community College, Ballylanders NS and Ballyduff NS.

This funding was announced under the second round of the funding for the Summer Works Scheme 2014 (SWS). In total, more than €70 million has been approved for the Summer Works Scheme and the works, as the title indicates, will be carried out this summer, while students are on holidays, so as to minimise disruption.
 
“The news is also a welcome boost for the construction sector as it should support jobs in the communities in which these schools are situated,” said Minister Quinn.
 
It is estimated that 4,200 direct and 840 indirect construction jobs will be supported as a result of the SWS scheme.

Tallow based Labour councillor, John Pratt welcomed the news, saying that he was delighted that 14 Deise schools will benefit from the scheme

“It means they can now carry out refurbishment works to roofs and upgrades to toilet facilities, resulting in better quality conditions for students and teachers. These works come on the back of a previous round of funding, which also benefitted schools in Waterford,” he said.

Fermoy based councillors Tadhg O’Donovan and Noel McCarthy, also welcomed the news, saying that the upgrading of toilets and works to fix leaking roofs is badly needed.

They also welcomed the fact that the SUSI grant system is open as of last week, two weeks earlier than last year and this should help to eliminate any problems that arise.