Over €1.25 million funding announced for Laois schools

Laois schools have secured €1.25 million in grants for minor works and equipment. 

The Government has approved €1,251,937 for Laois schools under the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the Minor Works Grant Scheme. 

A total of €417,632 has been granted to Laois Primary Schools and €234,305 has been granted to the Post Primary Schools in Laois for ICT under the Government’s Digital Strategy for Schools.  A further €600,000 has been granted to Primary Schools under the Minor Works Grant Scheme.

The ICT Grant is to ensure the continued learning of digital technologies in schools.  This funding will support young people to become engaged and competent in the use of ICT.  For primary schools, each school will receive a basic grant of €2,000 plus €25.33 per mainstream pupil, €30.40 per pupil with special needs.  Post primary schools will also receive a basic grant of €2,000 plus €30.40 per student.

The funding was welcomed by Laois Government TD Sean Fleming. 

 “The Minor Works Grant is available to all primary schools which will allow them fund maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds and improvements to electrical services and new furniture etc.  There is a basic grant for each school of €5,500 plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 for special needs pupils.  This system allows schools plan their works immediately as each school can now calculate the exact amount they will receive under this scheme,” he explained. 

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Deputy Fleming said, “we all agree education is fundamental for the development of all our young people and investment in education is an investment in our young people for the future."