Over €7 million for Minor Works and ICT for schools in Cork – O’Shea

Over €7 million allocated to schools in Cork through the Minor Works and ICT grant funding will ensure schools can plan with confidence, Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has said.

Deputy O’Shea said: “This funding demonstrates Fine Gael’s commitment to supporting schools in Cork and ensure that school leaders can deliver the best possible learning environment for children.”

Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton announced €65m in minor works and ICT grant funding for schools across the country.

Today’s announcement also confirms a standardised payment period for the annual Minor Works and ICT grant funding for schools.  This provides clarity and certainty for the school system and will now be incorporated into the annual grant payments calendar for schools. 

€30 million in minor works grant funding will be provided to primary and special schools this week to enable them to use on a devolved basis for maintenance and small-scale improvement works.

A further €35 million in funding for ICT infrastructure will issue in January 2026 to all recognised special, primary and post-primary schools.

 Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton said: “In line with NDP Rollout and as part of delivering on Programme for Government commitments I am pleased to provide this clarity and certainty for schools on their minor works and ICT grant funding.

“Providing certainty around the timing of minor works and ICT funding means that schools can plan ahead and make smart, flexible and timely improvements. Our investment of €65m will empower schools to invest locally and respond directly to the needs of their students and the school community.

“For students and teachers this means safer facilities, better technology and learning environments that will support them in the years ahead.”

Deputy O’Shea concluded by saying, “With the world around us changing rapidly, it is vital that schools can instil students with the skills they need to reach their full potential in our modern society.

“This ICT funding will empower schools in Cork to harness the opportunities that technology presents, and to support children and young people to become competent, critically engaged learners.