Written answers

Thursday, 31 May 2018

Department of Education and Skills

Summer Works Scheme Applications

Photo of James BrowneJames Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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85. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when an application by a school (details supplied) for the summer works scheme for 2018 will be decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24059/18]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that the school in question applied for funding under the Summer Works Scheme, under Category 10 - External Environment Works.

The Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is a multi-annual Scheme.  Over 1,650 schools, nearly 50% of schools, applied for inclusion under the current round of the scheme which reflects a very high demand.

Over 700 applications in Categories 7-10, at a cost of just over €52 million have not been reached to date. However, almost €80 million has been approved under the current round of the Scheme categories 1-6, in respect of 635 school projects, 464 primary and 171 post-primary schools,  for Gas, electrical upgrades, mechanical, sanitation and roof improvement works..  Details of the successful school applicants, are published on the Department's website .

In relation to the Summer Works Scheme 2018, over €25 million will be spent on summer works projects in 2018.  This expenditure will enable the remaining approved improvement works for 178 schools nationwide to be completed. These works will be carried out by the schools themselves on a devolved basis mainly over the summer months, so the disruption to students, teachers and other school staff will be kept to a minimum.

Furthermore, the Department intends to engage with the relevant partners in relation to giving schools a better lead-in period for planning and delivering projects under the Summer Works Scheme from 2019 onwards.  While the Summer Works Scheme is hugely successful in enabling small scale refurbishment works to be done on a devolved basis, the Department considers that the operation of the scheme could be improved by providing a better lead-in period for schools rather than in Quarter 2 as in previous years.  This will also help ensure that works done under the Summer Works Scheme fits better with any wider refurbishment/energy retrofit plans that may be done at schools under the increased funding provided in the National Development Plan.  The engagement with education partners will commence shortly and will assist in developing a better timeline for the planning and delivery of Summer Works projects for 2019.

The application from the school in question will be considered in this context.

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