Education Minister announces summer works programme for 20 Offaly schools

There"s good news for 20 Offaly primary and secondary schools this week, as the Minister for Education has confirmed that summer building and repair works will go ahead this year. A total of 23 small and medium-scale building works will get underway in 18 primary and two post-primary schools across the county as part of a nationwide €80 million Government scheme announced yesterday (Thursday) by Minister Batt O"Keeffe. The Summer Works Scheme, which returns this year after a 12-month deferral period, covers school projects such as gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof replacements and repairs, window replacement, toilet upgrades, structural improvements and access works. The Planning and Building Unit will shortly contact all schools approved for grant aid under this year"s Summer Works Scheme with further details and instructions on how to proceed. 'The fund will dramatically improve structural, mechanical, electrical, gas and other works in schools right across the country,' said Minister O"Keeffe. 'The investment in our schools will also create much-needed jobs in the construction sector.' The Summer Works Scheme was deferred for a year to allow the Department"s Planning and Building Unit to focus on larger-scale building projects. Minister O"Keeffe will also soon announce details of a new energy efficiency scheme to improve roof and cavity wall insulation levels in schools. Schools can log onto www.energyeducation.ie for further information.