€600k on the way for Laois school maintenance

Laois schools will share out €600,000 for small-scale works this summer.

The funding may be used for the 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 equipment.

The money will be paid directly by the Department to each of the schools on a pro-rata basis on the number of students in each school while allowing for special schools. 

The help for primary and special schools was welcomed by Laois Offaly TD and Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs Seán Fleming. 

"I would like to welcome the announcement of €29 million, which has been allocated nationwide by the Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, for schools to make small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds.

"Fianna Fáil in Government understands that such grants are a vital resource in terms of supporting the operation of our local schools.

"Early payment of these grants will allow schools across Laois to plan and undertake works that will support the operation of the school going into the new academic year in September," said the Fianna Fáil TD.

These payments will be issued shortly so schools can plan the works to be completed during this summer.

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Minister Foley said: “Minor works payments are a vital resource in terms of supporting the operation of schools generally and I am pleased to be able to announce €29 million in funding that will allow school communities to address issues at local level. 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. In this respect the minor works grant funding provides good flexibility to address issues at local school level.”

A statement said the department’s Planning and Building Unit is currently finalising updated guidance for schools in relation to good practice arrangements for maintenance of school buildings. It is envisaged that this guidance will be finalised and published later in Q2 2023.

It said the guidance will be provided in an online interactive format that is intended to be easily accessible and user-friendly for use by schools.