Galway East TD and Minister of State at OPW and Flood Relief, Sean Canney has warmly welcomed details of a €28.5m minor works grant scheme for primary schools throughout the constituency.
In total some 235 schools in Galway will benefit from the scheme for the 2016/2017 school year.
Announcing the Minor Works grant for 2016/2017, Education Minister Richard Bruton confirmed that the rates payable are €5,500 per school plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil to some 235 schools in Galway. The grant is worth €6,425 for a 50 pupil school and over €11,000 for a 300 pupil school.
“I am very pleased with today’s news that funding is available to allow the Minor Works Grant 2016/2017 to issue to primary schools this year. Local schools will receive the grant in the coming weeks,” said Minister Canney.
The works that can be undertaken under the Minor Works Grant include 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.
Minister Canney said the grant issuing to the primary school sector allows schools to carry out minor works without needing to deal directly with the Department. Circular Letter 0062/2013 which is available on the Department’s website gives full details on the grant scheme for Minor Works.
The Minister noted that the Minor Works Grant first introduced in 1997 has enabled schools to maintain and improve the essential fabric of their existing facilities. He very much appreciates the commitment of Boards of Management and school principals in putting the grant to such effective and good use over the years.
With the school population continuing to increase in both the primary and post-primary sectors, the Minister Canney emphasised the priority continues to focus on major school projects and devolved smaller projects to meet the demographic demands.