85 primary schools in Co. Wicklow will benefit from the Minor Works Grant scheme. Labour TD Anne Ferris confirmed the news on Monday, stating that a total of €802,924 was being invested in schools in the county under the scheme.
All the Primary schools that have been awarded grants will receive payments in the coming days. This follows the Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan’s recent announcement that the nationwide grant would be paid in 2014. The rates payable are €5,500 per school plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil. The grant is worth €6,425 for a 50 pupil school and more than €11,000 for a 300 pupil school.
According to Deputy Anne Ferris “There are 85 schools in Co. Wicklow and in total they will benefit by €802,924. The works that can be undertaken with this investment include improvements to school buildings and grounds, improvement or replacement of mechanical and electrical services, the purchase of standard furniture and physical education equipment, and the purchase of IT related equipment.
“This grant is put to very good use by primary schools in Co. Wicklow and across the country. Minister O’Sullivan has indicated her hope to use savings in her Department’s spending to fund a minor works grant next year also which will be further good news for school staff and students alike”, concluded Deputy Ferris.
