Fine Gael TD for Kildare South Martin Heydon has confirmed that funding has been granted to 104 Co. Kildare primary schools under the Minor Works Grant Scheme.
“Following recent questions from me about the need for this grant, my Fine Gael colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, has confirmed to me today that the Minor Works Grant will be paid to all primary schools throughout the country next week. All 104 primary schools in Co. Kildare will benefit from this grant which has been much anticipated by schools coming towards to the end of the year.
“Each primary school will receive a flat rate Minor Works Grant of €5,500 plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil attending a special school or special class. The grant is worth €6,425 for a 50 pupil school and over €11,000 for a 300 pupil school.
“Many of our local schools really depend on this grant. The funds can be used for improvements to school buildings and grounds, 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.”
“Fine Gael is working in Government to strengthen communities and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Ensuring that our children are learning in a quality environment is a major part of this. This grant will go a long way towards improving the physical condition of our school buildings to the benefit of both pupils and the teachers who work there.
“Furthermore I know from talking to teachers and principals across Kildare that primary schools need more certainty with regard to the availability of the Minor Works Grant on an annual basis. I am pleased to hear Minister Bruton confirm that this will be reviewed in the context of the Department’s long term infrastructural planning and the level of resources available under the Government’s 10 Year Public Capital Investment Plan, which is currently under development. This will allow schools to plan better for the future.”