The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton T.D., this week announced details of a €28.5m minor works grant for primary schools throughout the country.

Minister Bruton said: “You can’t achieve a prosperous economy without a fair society, and you can’t support a compassionate society without a strong economy. Investment in education is a prime way to grow our society and economy together.”

Announcing the Minor Works grant for 2016/2017, the Minister said he is pleased to confirm that the rates payable are €5,500 per school plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil. The grant is worth €6,425 for a 50 pupil school and over €11,000 for a 300 pupil school. 

“I am very pleased to announce that funding is available to allow the Minor Works Grant 2016/2017 to issue to primary schools this year. Schools will receive the grant in the coming weeks,” Minister Bruton continued.

The works that can be undertaken under the Minor Works Grant include 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. The grant issuing to the primary school sector allows schools to carry out minor works without needing to deal directly with the Department. Circular Letter 0062/2013 which is available on the Department’s website gives full details on the grant scheme for Minor Works.

The Minister noted that the Minor Works Grant first has enabled schools to maintain and improve the essential fabric of their existing facilities. He very much appreciates the commitment of Boards of Management and school principals in putting the grant to such effective and good use over the years.

With the school population continuing to increase in both the primary and post-primary sectors, the Minister said the priority continues to focus on major school projects and devolved smaller projects to meet the demographic demands. The Minister noted “in such demanding circumstances assessment of my Department’s capital position this time next year will determine the prospects of a 2017/2018 Minor Works Grant”.

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