North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea said 43 schools across County Cork will undergo major improvement works over the summer months thanks to Government funding through the Summer Works Scheme.
“Today’s announcement confirms the Government’s continuing prioritisation of capital funding for school buildings here in Cork which will enhance the learning and working environment for pupils and teachers.
“My colleague, the Minister for Education, Joe McHugh, TD has announced that 307 schools across the country will receive more than €40 million for Summer Works projects for delivery in 2019. Minister McHugh confirmed to me that 32 primary 11 and post-primary schools in Cork will receive funding for major improvement works,” Cllr. O’Shea said.
“It is great that this announcement is being made now in advance of next year, to give schools more time to prepare for the planned works. The works will be carried out in schools mainly over the summer months in order to keep disruption to students, teachers and other to a minimum.
“The projects receiving funding relate to applications submitted by schools in categories 7, 8 and 9 under the multi-annual scheme. For any schools who applied under category 10, which relates to external works such as upgrade and resurfacing of yards and car parking, there will be further news on this next year. Given the scale of the projects involved further detailed analysis of these applications is required with a view to enabling approved applications to proceed in 2020.
“In addition, Minister McHugh has also announced a further round of the Summer Works Scheme, which will open for applications in early 2019 for projects to be delivered from summer 2020. “
Minister Joe McHugh added: “The Government’s Project Ireland 2040 plan included a major package of investment in education for the next decade with the school building budget increasing by 70 per cent.
“This investment will provide for the continued increase in demographics while also allowing for a greater focus on refurbishment and upgrading of existing schools.
“All schools approved for the 2019 Summer Works Scheme will be notified via the Department’s Esinet portal later today with further details and instructions on how to proceed.
“This year, almost €540 million will be invested in school building infrastructure under the school building and modernisation programme.”
