€1.3m for roof and toilet works in Westmeath and Roscommon schools

Four primary schools in Westmeath, and seven in Roscommon, are to share €1.3 million in funding grants for roof works and improved toilet facilities in 2021.

Education Minister Norma Foley this week announced that €31 million is being awarded nationally for 275 projects that are to be delivered under the 2021 Summer Works Scheme in primary and post-primary schools.

In Westmeath, €946,434 will be distributed for projects in four schools: Cornamaddy National School, Athlone (roof works); Eoin Naofa National School, Mullingar (toilet facilities); Saint Mary's Co-Ed Primary School, Mullingar (roof works); and Presentation Convent Junior School, Mullingar (toilet facilities).

Westmeath TD and Minister of State, Robert Troy, welcomed the funding allocations, saying: "This is a significant investment in our local schools for vital projects that will improve school facilities."

In county Offaly, just over the border from Westmeath, Tubber NS, and Scoil Naisiunta Peadar Agus Pol in Horseleap, also received funding for roof improvement works.

In Roscommon, meanwhile, €355,836 will be allocated to seven projects in primary schools.

Funding was granted for roof works for Kilteevan NS, N Micheal agus Padraig, and Abbeycarton NS; while upgrades of toilet facilities will be funded at Taughmaconnell NS, Ballinagare NS, Scoil Mhuire, and Ciaran Naofa.

"Schools must be praised for doing such a remarkable job in adapting to the changes required to operate safely in a Covid-19 environment and keeping the schools open these past few months," commented Roscommon Senator Eugene Murphy.

"This latest round of funding will continue to support and sustain the operation of schools."