Tánaiste on-site to monitor success of Summer Works Scheme

The Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Ms. Mary Coughlan, T.D., has confirmed that work is well advanced in the majority of schools approved for works this summer under the record €122 million Summer Works Scheme she announced in April.

In total, more than 1,500 primary and post-primary schools were included in the scheme that is funding projects in our schools such as gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof replacements and repairs, window replacement, toilet upgrades, structural improvements and access works.

Conservative estimates indicate that more than 4,400 tradespeople will be kept in work during the summer period on foot of the investment prioritised by the Tánaiste.

Speaking during a visit to St Patrick’s National School, Murlog, Co. Donegal, where extensive upgrading works are taking place, the Tánaiste said: 'I prioritised capital investment in summer works in our schools across the country this year, not just with a view to upgrading our education infrastructure, but to create jobs and sustain employment for our hard hit construction workers.

'Our highly skilled tradespeople and apprentices have been severely impacted by the downturn in the construction industry, but investment such as this in our schools is generating work for many this summer.

'Investment in our education infrastructure is also of paramount importance and this scheme will contribute to improving the standard of accommodation in many schools.

'I know that schools have made every effort to seek the best value for money in the market and I compliment the roles played by boards of management and principals in managing the works during the holidays to ensure the minimum disruption for pupils returning in September.'

More than 1,100 primary schools and in excess of 390 post-primary schools across the country are benefiting from the Summer Works Scheme.