Clare primary schools are set to receive a funding boost to carry out small-scale repairs, with the announcement of the 2014 Minor Works Grant by Education Minister, Jan O’Sullivan.
“Every primary school in Clare with permanent recognition will receive a small amount of funding to carry out small capital or improvement works to the school, with payments issuing to schools next week,” Deputy Michael McNamara in welcominig the announcements.
“This funding will help schools make improvements to their school buildings and grounds, and invest in their furniture, and IT and sport equipment. Each school will receive a payment of €5,500 per school, and a further €18.50 per mainstream pupil, or €74 per pupil with special needs. The grant is worth €6,425 for a 50 pupil school and more than €11,000 for a 300 pupil school.
“I know from speaking to parents and principals from across Clare of the efforts made to fundraise to cover minor repairs in recent years and the strain that they are under. The announcement by Minister Jan O’Sullivan will be welcome news to them as it is to me,” he said.
Deputy Pat Breen said the restoration of the grant will come as welcome relief for many teachers and boards of management in our primary schools.
“The return of the Minor Works Grant, coupled with the Summer Works Scheme, indicates this Government’s commitment to investing in education, even during this time of budgetary constraints. And it also comes as a timely boost for the various trades people and construction workers who will be engaged to undertake this work,” he said.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.