Minister Foley announces payment of €62 million minor works grant funding for primary, special and post-primary schools

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has today (13 December 2021) announced the payment of a minor works grant totaling €45m for primary schools and special schools as part of additional support in the context of COVID-19. Once-off COVID-19 minor works funding of €17m is also announced for post-primary schools.

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.

Arrangements are now being made for the payment of these grants to

schools.

Minister Foley said:

“This significant increase in funding for schools will enable them to address both their minor works requirements and also to address small-scale ventilation improvements at school level as a short-term mitigation measure, should they require to do so.

“Minor works funding is important in terms of supporting the operation of schools generally and particularly within a COVID-19 environment. Schools may also apply for emergency works grant assistance to address larger-scale issues on a permanent basis.

“This funding also provides an opportunity for schools to enhance their outdoor learning environments for use as the weather permits."

The minor works grant funding provides good flexibility to address issues at local school level.

The works that can be undertaken under the primary minor works scheme include maintenance and small-scale 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.

A department Circular will be issued in the coming days with respect to this minor works grant funding.