Cork East Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Justice, David Stanton, has welcomed the announcement that a new school Summer Works Scheme is now open.
The Summer Works Scheme operated by the Department of Education and Skills allows schools to carry out small and medium scale building works to improve existing school buildings. The scheme is supported by €100 million from Project Ireland 2040 includes new categories such as life-safety systems along with roof and window upgrades, electrical and mechanical works and other improvements. Further information is available at:
https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/Building-Works/Summer-Works/
Minister Stanton said: “I am pleased to hear that the application process for the Summer Works Scheme 2020 is now open. The scheme is very important for schools as it allows them to carry out upgrading works on a devolved basis. As each school can only apply for one project I would encourage local school authorities to identify what their school most requires and submit an application.
“Under the scheme, works will be carried out in the successful schools over summer 2020, so the disruption to students, teachers and school staff will be kept to a minimum. Last year five schools in Cork East constituency were awarded funding for works in summer 2019.
“Another change this year is the extension of the application period from 5 to 13 weeks with a 30 June deadline for receipt of applications. Notifications of successful projects will be issued to schools by the end of 2019 which allows for a good lead-in period for school authorities to manage the planning, procurement and delivery of projects in summer 2020.
“Also, as part of the Government’s Climate Action Plan, the new Summer Works Scheme now includes an obligation on schools to commit to report energy use. Schools are now required by legislation to report their annual energy use through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) website and payment of the Summer Works Scheme grant is subject to school registration on the website and the submission of appropriate returns.
“The Action Plan for Education 2019 prioritises investment in school educational infrastructure. The new Summer Works Scheme confirms the Government’s continuing prioritisation of capital funding for school buildings which I am certain will further enhance the school environment for pupils and teachers” , concluded Minister Stanton.
