€1.1m Funding for CLVEC Schools

Co. Louth VEC schools have recently benefited to the tune of over €1.1 million in the recent allocation of funding under the Department of Education and Science Summer Works Scheme for 2009. Dr. Pádraig Kirk, CEO of Co. Louth VEC has welcomed the re-introduction of the scheme saying that it has made significant contributions to improving the working and learning environment for both staff and students in the committee’s schools over the last number of years. “This year will see the continued development and upgrading of the accommodation of Scoil Uí Mhuirí, Dunleer, O’Fiaich College, Dundalk, Bush Post Primary School Riverstown, St. Oliver’s Community College and Drogheda Institute of Further Education, providing all those who use these buildings with an enhanced learning environment when they return in September”. The work will also provide valuable employment for the building sector.

The summer works scheme provides schools with the autonomy to determine what aspects of school buildings need attention, and allows them to apply for associated funding. The renovation work is mostly carried out during the summer months, hence ensuring minimum disruption to staff and students. In recent years, VEC premises in Co. Louth have received funding to carry a wide variety of works including roof repairs, the increase and resurfacing of car parking facilities, replacement of internal and external doors and fencing, toilet refurbishment, electrical refurbishment, school insulation and the installation of a lift and CCTV technology.

This year Drogheda Institute of Further Education has been allocated funding under the scheme for the automation of doors to allow for enhanced disabled learner access. Funding has also been received for the installation of a lift in the Continuing Education Centre at King St., which will also ensure that this well known landmark in the town is accessible to all. The Centre is a hive of activity and is used as an extension of the DIFE campus at The Twenties. The Continuing Education Centre also accommodates the Youthreach, the Vocational Training and Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) and the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) programmes, as well as an Adult Learning Service and the Louth Adult Education Guidance and Information Service.

O’Fiaich College in Dundalk has been awarded funding for the upgrading of electrical works, complete replacement of internal glazing and the replacement of internal and external doors. The grant will further enhance the school building which in the past three years, has worked closely with Sustainable Energy Ireland and the Department of Education and Science to carry out a complete facelift of the building. This resulted in a “greener” building, and a substantial saving in energy costs.

St. Oliver’s Community College has been allocated a grant for the upgrade, including disabled access, of male and female toilet facilities in the College. The College, which has an enrolment of over 1,000 students, has long been at the heart of the community south of the river Boyne.

Scoil Uí Mhuirí has also been awarded funding for the electrical upgrade of the existing prefabricated classrooms. Scoil Uí Mhuirí recently opened a new 10 classroom extension with 6 specialist rooms, a Library and a PE Hall, but continued growth has meant that extra accommodation is required. Roof replacement works will also be carried out at Bush Post Primary School as a result of the Summer Works Scheme. The school facilities on the peninsular are now the envy of many a school in the country. The new state of the art PE hall and athletics track, opened in 2008 are used also by the local community and it is hoped that prior to the London 2012 Olympics, the school will be used as a training facility for world class Olympic Athletes.