Page 24 - COBH EDITION 5th APRIL DIGITAL VERSION

Application process open for school Summer Works Scheme 2020 –
Minister Stanton

Cork East Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the
Department of Justice, David Stanton, has wel-
comed the announcement that a new school Sum-
mer Works Scheme is now open.
The Summer Works Scheme operated by the De-
partment of Education and Skills allows schools to
carry out small and medium scale building works
to improve existing school buildings. The scheme
is supported by €100 million from Project Ireland
2040 and includes new categories such as life-safe-
ty systems along with roof and window upgrades,
electrical and mechanical works and other improvements. Further information is
available at:

https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/Building-Works/Summer-
Works/

Minister Stanton said: “I am pleased to hear that the application process for the
Summer Works Scheme 2020 is now open. The scheme is very important for
schools as it allows them to carry out upgrading works on a devolved basis. As each
school can only apply for one project I would encourage local school authorities to
identify what their school most requires and submit an application.

“Under the scheme, works will be carried out in the successful schools over sum-
mer 2020, so the disruption to students, teachers and school staff will be kept to a
minimum. Last year five schools in Cork East constituency were awarded funding
for works in summer 2019.

“Another change this year is the extension of the application period from 5 to 13
weeks with a 30 June deadline for receipt of applications. Notifications of successful
projects will be issued to schools by the end of 2019 which allows for a good lead-in
period for school authorities to manage the planning, procurement and delivery of
projects in summer 2020.

“Also, as part of the Government’s Climate Action Plan, the new Summer Works
Scheme now includes an obligation on schools to commit to report energy use.
Schools are now required by legislation to report their annual energy use through
the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) website and payment of the
Summer Works Scheme grant is subject to school registration on the website and
the submission of appropriate returns.
“The Action Plan for Education 2019 prioritises investment in school educational
infrastructure. The new Summer Works Scheme confirms the Government’s con-
tinuing prioritisation of capital funding for school buildings which I am certain will
further enhance the school environment for pupils and teachers”, concluded Minister
Stanton.