13 Dec €62m minor works fund for Primary, Special and Post-Primary Schools 

Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon has welcomed the announcement by the Department of Education that minor works grant totaling €45m for primary schools and special schools as part of additional support in the context of Covid-19.

Once-off Covid-19 minor works funding of €17m is also announced for post-primary schools.

Deputy Dillon said: “Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs.

“Arrangements are now being made for the payment of these grants to schools and I expect many schools across Mayo to benefit from this significant increase in funding for schools to enable them to address both their minor works requirements and also to address small-scale ventilation improvements at school level as a short-term mitigation measure, should they require to do so. I want to acknowledge the work of Minister Norma Foley and Minister of State Josepha Madigan in securing this level of additional funding.”

The Mayo TD added “Minor works funding is important in terms of supporting the operation of schools generally and particularly within a Covid-19 environment. Schools may also apply for emergency works grant assistance to address larger-scale issues on a permanent basis.

“This funding also provides an opportunity for schools to enhance their outdoor learning environments for use as the weather permits.”

“The minor works grant funding provides good flexibility to address issues at local school level.

The works that can be undertaken under the primary minor works scheme include maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds, improvement or replacement of mechanical and electrical services, the purchase of standard furniture and physical education equipment, the purchase of floor coverings and window blinds and the purchase of IT related equipment etc.

“A Department Circular will be issued in the coming days with respect to this minor works grant funding.”