PRESS RELEASE

30/01/2006

Major summer works planned for northside Cork schools - Kelleher

Cork North-Central Fianna Fáil TD Billy Kelleher has said a massive programme of schools renewal is set to begin across the county with the announcement today that €7.7 million has been allocated for summer works in both primary and post-primary schools.

The Dillon’s Cross-based Fianna Fáil TD said among the projects on the city’s northside is a new home economics room for St Patrick’s College in Gardiner’s Hill.

‘Teachers and students there will particularly welcome that development. It is a project on which I been working for some time and I would like to congratulate all those involved in securing funding for the works,’ said Deputy Kelleher.

He said students and teachers will return in September to 13 refurbished schools on the northside of the city - six primary and seven post-primary schools.

‘These schools will be able to carry out small-scale works on everything from electrical wiring to gas supplies to roof repairs as a result of this announcement. Cork has emerged as a major winner, with €7.7 million to be spent on schools the length and breadth of the county.

‘In Cork North-Central, the news is particularly good. In the summer months, roof repairs will be carried out on North Presentation Secondary School in Farranree while mechanical works will be carried out on St Aloysius School on Sharman Crawford Street. Mayfield Community School on the Old Youghal Road has been earmarked for disabled access funding. So has the College of Commerce in Morrison’s Island.

‘Primary schools have also benefited. New roofs are on the way for North Presentation Primary School on Gerald Griffin St while Scoil Mhuire Fatima in North Monastry got money for new windows.

‘These are just some examples of works that come under the summer works scheme - a clear demonstration of this Government’s commitment to educational projects large or small,’ said Deputy Kelleher.

He said this year Education Minister Mary Hanafin TD moved early to sanction funding for schools to enable them to plan and manage their priority works.

‘The move avoids disruption for the school during the academic year. The works benefit the whole school community and make a huge difference to the learning environment for students and teachers. It is crucial that we bring our schools to the highest possible physical standards and give our young people every chance to develop their skills and talents,’ said Deputy Kelleher.

Minister Hanafin approved 739 schools around the country for essential small-scale projects under the €78 million 2006 Summer Works Scheme. 

ENDS