The Department of Education is funding small and medium-scale school building projects.
20 midlands schools have been selected for this year's Summer Works Scheme.
The Department of Education is allocating €65 million for 497 small and medium-scale school building projects around the country.
They include nine schools in Westmeath, seven in Offaly, and four in Laois.
A break-down of funds allocated has not been confirmed, but the money will go towards a variety of upgrades, such as windows, roof works and improvements to outdoor spaces.
"A key priority"
Announcing the news today, Education Minister Norma Foley said;
"School communities have done an exceptional job in adapting to the changes required to operate safely in a Covid-19 environment. A key priority is to continue to support and sustain the operation of schools in this context. I am particularly pleased that the cohort of projects announced today include window improvement/replacement projects in schools which will assist in managing ventilation in these schools.
"Other projects includes investment in science labs, electrical and mechanical works and I am particularly pleased that today’s announcement also includes repairs and improvements to external yards and play areas.
"The provision of fun and engaging outside play areas is equally important in helping our students and young learners engage with each other in a Covid-19 environment.
"Today’s announcement follows on from the €62 million enhanced minor works funding which was delivered to schools a number of weeks ago."
Multi-Annual Summer Works Scheme
It's envisaged that the remaining categories of projects from the current Multi-Annual Summer Works Scheme will be dealt with as part of the Summer Works Programme in 2023 and relevant schools will be notified in Quarter 4 2022 in relation to this.
It's also expected that a new Multi-Annual Summer Works Scheme will be opened for new applications in Quarter 2 2022. This will have a strong climate action aspect to it. Further details will be announced later this spring 2022.
The full list of midlands schools selected is as follows...
LAOIS
Barr na Sruthán National School, Mountmellick - Electrical works
Camross National School - Windows
St. Fergal’s College, Rathdowney - Roof works
Mountmellick Community School - Mechanical works
OFFALY
Clonbullogue National School - Windows
Scoil Mhuire, Cloneygowan - Mechanical works
St. Patrick’s National School - Electrical works
Castlejordan Central National School - Electrical works
St. Mary’s Secondary School, Edenderry - Windows
Killina Presentation Secondary School, Tullamore - Windows
St. Brendan’s Community School, Birr - Windows
WESTMEATH
Ballynacargy Mixed National School - External environment
Scoil Náisiúnta Deaghan O Ceallaigh, Athlone - Windows
An Ghrianán National School, Moate - Electrical works
Scoil Chroí Naofa, Rochfortbridge - Electrical works
Loreto College, Mullingar - Windows
Wilson's Hospital School, Multyfarnham - Roof works
Columba College, Kilucan - Roof works
Mullingar Community College - Windows
Scoil Naisiúnta Bhríde, Ballynacarrigy - External environment
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