€700,000 in minor works funding for schools in Westmeath

Minister for Education Norma Foley has announced that €700,000 in minor works funding has been paid this week to primary and special schools in County Westmeath.

Schools will have the autonomy to use the funding for maintenance and small-scale improvements to buildings and grounds.

Minor works funding may also be used for the improvement or replacement of mechanical and electrical services, the purchase of standard furniture and physical education equipment, the purchase of floor coverings and window blinds and the purchase of IT related equipment.

Arrangements are now being made for the early payment of these grants, to provide schools with a good lead-in period to plan and undertake works that will support the operation of the school going into the 2023/24 school year.

Minister Foley said: “Minor works payments are a vital resource in terms of supporting the operation of schools generally and I am pleased to be able to announce €700,000 in funding that will allow school communities in County Westmeath to address issues at local level.

“Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs. In this respect the minor works grant funding provides good flexibility to address issues at local school level.”

The department’s Planning and Building Unit is currently finalising updated guidance for schools in relation to good practice arrangements for maintenance of school buildings. It is envisaged that this guidance will be finalised and published later in Q2 2023. The guidance will be provided in an online interactive format that is intended to be easily accessible and user-friendly for use by schools.