The Tánaiste and Minister for Education has just announced details of the Summer Works Scheme for 2011 and has invited applications under the Scheme in accordance with the terms of a special Circular Letter.

She said that the purpose of the Summer Works Scheme is to devolve funding to individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works which, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school.

Under the terms of the Scheme, school authorities are empowered to manage these works with guidance from, and minimal interaction, with the Department.

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Funding for small scale projects will be allocated in accordance with the prioritisation criteria attaching to the Scheme which, in the normal course, include the ability to have the works carried out during the summer.

However, in certain circumstances, the Department may allocate funding to further projects later in the year where these can be carried out without disruption to the operation of the school.

"If this arises, the terms and conditions of the Scheme will continue to apply when allocating funding to such projects," she said, noting that, under the 2011 Scheme, schools may apply for one small-scale project only.

The closing date for receipt of all applications under this Scheme is 21 January 2011.

Details of the terms and conditions attaching to the application are contained in part 2 of this Circular Letter.

"In all of the circumstances, please read this Circular Letter carefully before completing an application form," she said.

See: Circular Letter

(BMcC)