Twenty-nine schools to benefit from summer works

Funding approval

Twenty-nine schools across counties Cavan and Monaghan are set to benefit from funding and works under the 2022 Summer Works Scheme.

Fourteen primary schools and two secondary schools in the Breffni county have been awarded funding; while nine national schools and four second level schools have been approved for works in the Farney county.

The successful Cavan schools are: Shercock NS and Ballyhaise NS (mechanical works); Scoil Bhride, Killyconnan NS, St Mary's NS, Knocktemple NS and St Michael's NS (electrical works), Ballyconnell Mixed NS, Beal Atha nEach, Bailieborough NS, St Kilian's and St Patrick's (external environment), St Clare's and St Aidan's Comprehensive (windows) and St Clare's College (roof).

In Monaghan, the following works were sanctioned: St Louis Girls NS, Scoil Bhridhde and Edenmore NS (electrical works), Castleblayney Convent Infants NS and Latnamard NS (windows), St Patrick's NS, St Louis Infant School, St Dympna's NS, Ballybay Central NS and Our Lady's Secondary School (mechanical works), and St McCartan's College, Castleblayney College and Beech Hill College (roof works).

Local TDs have welcomed the works.

Deputy Brendan Smith (FF) said it entailed a total investment of €3.65M.

"A range of improvement works including ventilation, mechanical, electrical, windows and outdoor improvements to yards and play areas will be carried out under the approvals issued by the Minister," he said.

"This is an important scheme for many schools enabling the upgrading of accommodation and the early approval will assist schools in having these improvement works carried out during the summer months," added Deputy Smith.

Minister for Social Protection and Rural & Community Development Heather Humphreys also welcomed the allocations. She said they would facilitate the deliver of 35 projects across the two counties.

“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," she said.

“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," added the Minister.

Fianna Fáil TD Niamh Smyth was equally delighted with the funding.

She also pointed out that 11 schools in County Meath are also set to receive €1.7M for works under the scheme. The Cavan Monaghan constituency also takes in parts of north Meath.

"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," she said.

“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," added Deputy Smyth.

The announcement follows on from the €62 million enhanced minor works funding, which was delivered to schools a number of weeks ago.