Project To Save Water Offers Jobs Boost

A schools' water conservation programme that is also said to be making a significant contribution towards job creation in the construction sector has received funding.

"Funding of almost €10m will see major improvements in water conservation in primary and post primary schools around the country," said the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan.

Some 1,823 primary and post primary schools across the country will be able to carry out works to reduce their use of water under the €9.75m scheme.

Announcing the fund, the Tánaiste said: "I am delighted to confirm that these 1,823 schools will benefit from funding which will help to reduce their use of water, with a consequent reduction in the running cost of schools.

"The fund of almost €10 million will finance over 1,823 projects in these schools to reduce their water usage through the installation of water displacement devices, percussion spray taps, thermostatic mixing valves and other water controls.

"These works will reduce the water charges being paid by schools and I am delighted to be able to provide Boards of Management and Trustees with a means to do so," she said also noting that she would ask schools to "ensure that they get best value for money on prices for jobs in the more competitive construction market".

The Planning and Building Unit will shortly contact all schools approved for grant aid under the scheme with further details and instructions on how to proceed

This latest announcement forms part of this year's €579 million school building and modernisation programme.

(BMcC/GK)