Forty schools in Galway will benefit from upgrades to their external environments and life safety systems such as fire alarms under the Summer Works Scheme.
Of the schools approved for works in Galway in 2020, eight are secondary level and the remainder receiving upgrades are primary level.
The Summer Works Scheme from 2020 onwards awards funding under ten different priority categories.
All of the schools in Galway which are part of the scheme have been approved funding under Category 1, Life Safety Systems, and Category 10, External Environment Projects.
Life Safety Systems include measures such as fire alarms and detectors or emergency lighting, while External Environment Projects are measures such as playgrounds or car parks.
Galway East TD Sean Canney said that this scheme is focused on specialist improvements with a particular emphasis on Climate Action.
“These awards will make a significant difference to the schools involved,” the Independent TD said.
“Climate Action is a priority for all generations so it is entirely appropriate that schools show us the way and become champions for change.”
Deputy Canney said that any school improving play areas or car parks will be required to identify a charging point for electrical vehicles and include ducting for cables to avoid any future need to dig up car parks.
Nationwide Minister for Education Joe McHugh announced that a total of 405 schools have been approved for upgrade works under the Summer Works Scheme.
This includes 324 at primary level and 81 at post primary, with a strong view towards ensuring they “future proof” themselves for electrical vehicles.
Minister McHugh said: “The climate action element of next year’s summer works is a sensible plan for the future.”
“More and more electric charging points are coming on stream and it is symbolic that schools will be demonstrating how important initiatives like this are.”
“I am confident that school authorities will be able to achieve best value for money on prices for jobs and I’m urging school authorities to ensure that they get the maximum benefit for their schools.”
