A total of €28.5 million has been announced for the payment of a Minor Works grant to primary schools throughout Ireland.

€80m has also been confirmed for a multi-annual Summer Works Scheme for schools over 2016 and 2017.

The €28.5m fund is focused on improving the physical infrastructure of schools and the purchase of standard furniture and physical education equipment, and IT related equipment without needing to deal directly with the Department.

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The rates payable are €5,500 per school plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil. The grant is worth more than €11,000 for a 300 pupil primary school, or almost €13,000 in the case of a special school with 100 pupils.

The €80m funding will allow schools to carry out small and medium scale building works such as gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof and window upgrades, structural improvements; works that will improve and upgrade existing school buildings.

(CD)