Schools across Ireland have been invited to seek funding for small-scale projects under 2010 Summer Works Scheme

New water conservation measures under next year's Summer Works Scheme will help schools cover metered water costs from January when they'll have to pay according to how much they use, according to Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe.

The water conservation measures will be funded as part of the scheme covering small-scale school projects such as gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof replacements and repairs, window replacement, toilet upgrades, structural improvements and access works.

From January, full metered water charges will apply in schools, with each local authority setting its own rate.

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Now, schools pay a fixed rate per pupil of €4 or the full metered rate if it's lower.

Local authorities will install the meters, although most schools already have them.

Minister O'Keeffe he would grant-aid the fitting of simple water-saving devices to toilets and wash-hand basins in schools.

"From January, all schools will be charged on the basis of how much water they use rather than how many pupils they have. Meters will be fitted on the water supply to schools to measure use.

"We're already using state-of-the-art water conservation design approaches in our new schools and new school extensions as part of the standard low-energy school designs.

"Now, I want to focus on existing buildings and to minimise insofar as we can the impact of the new metering system on schools' budgets," he said.

Mr O'Keeffe said the summer months are an ideal time to carry out this type of work so that disruption to the school term can be avoided.

"I'll fund the whole cost of carrying out the works approved under the scheme," he said.

Since 2004, over 4,000 small-scale building projects have been carried out in schools at cost of almost €380m.

"My announcement of a Summer Works Scheme for next year will generate much-needed employment in the construction sector in these challenging times for the country," added the Minister.

(PR/GK)