Matthews welcomes the €2.11 million for Wicklow under the Summer Works Scheme 2022

Date: 25 January 2022

The Summer Works Scheme is designed to allow schools to carry out small and medium-scale building works that will improve and upgrade existing school buildings. The €2.11 million announced under this round of funding is divided amongst 13 schools from across Wicklow and will be utilised to finance various individual school projects including new windows, mechanical works, roof repairs and electric repairs. Discussing the funding, Deputy Matthews said:

“The funding announcement is very welcome for each of the school communities and each project that has been funded will improve the day-to-day experiences of students and staff alike. I particularly welcome the schools that will see roof and window upgrades as this will make them much easier to keep their classrooms warm and will cut down both on their carbon footprint but vitally for the schools, it will see a huge drop in their heating bills.

“It’s particularly welcome to see this funding stream announced so early in the year, as it will give school management a decent lead-in period to plan and deliver the projects in summer 2022.

“For the 13 Wicklow schools that were successful in this round of funding, it will come as extremely welcome news after an extraordinary challenging time brought about by the pandemic. However, for any schools in Wicklow that were unsuccessful in this round of funding, if they are considering resubmitting or submitting a follow up application, I would be more than happy to offer any advice and support I can.

“When covid restrictions have allowed, I have been fortunate enough to visit schools from across Wicklow and meet with school management to discuss their concerns. In each instance I have been in a position to liaise with the Minister for Education’s office to ensure that their situation is reviewed. If any school principal or other member of staff have any concerns related to their school infrastructure or community, I would encourage them to get in touch with me directly and I will offer any help that I can, concluded Deputy Matthews.