Offaly schools benefit from summer works

Five more Offaly schools have been included in the summer works scheme, following announcements made by the Government under its jobs initiative scheme this week. Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn announced that €40 million will be made available through the Jobs Initiative to fund 374 primary and post primary school building projects. These funds will allow schools to carry out small and medium scale building works such as special needs access, toilet facilities, roof works and window replacements. The five local schools to benefit are Oxmanton NS Birr, Pullough NS, St Peter and Paul's, Horseleap, Colaiste Naomh Cormac and Ard Scoil Chiarain Local Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen has welcomed the inclusion of five further projects in Offaly in the expanded summer works scheme. Deputy Cowen said: "The inclusion of these schools is very welcome as it will improve the learning environment for students and the work environment for our teachers. The additional works being carried out at the schools include replacement of toilet facilities, roof repairs and maintenance and replacement of windows.