58 Primary Schools and 12 Secondary Schools across Clare have received funding to enable them to carry out works to improve water conservation.
The grant aid is part of a €9.75m scheme announced today by Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan, T.D.
Welcoming the news, Minister for Defence and Clare Fianna Fail Deputy Tony Killeen said the funding will enable 70 Clare schools to reduce their water usage through the installation of water displacement devices, percussion spray taps, thermostatic mixing valves and other water controls.
He added: “These works will reduce the water charges being paid by schools. They also will create much-needed jobs in the local construction sector over the coming months. I now urge schools to ensure that they get best value for money on prices for jobs in the more competitive construction market.”
This year, almost €579 million will be invested in school building infrastructure under the school building and modernisation programme.
On 1 January 2010, under the EU Water Framework Directive, all schools are liable for full metered water charges, which are set and collected by local authorities. Previously, transitional per capita rates applied. These were set at €3 in 2007, €3.50 in 2008 and €4 in 2009.
The transition period to full metered water charges for schools came to an end on 1 January 2010 and since that date, water usage in schools has been metered and schools are required to pay for the water used.
The grant aid is part of a €9.75m scheme announced today by Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan, T.D.
Welcoming the news, Minister for Defence and Clare Fianna Fail Deputy Tony Killeen said the funding will enable 70 Clare schools to reduce their water usage through the installation of water displacement devices, percussion spray taps, thermostatic mixing valves and other water controls.
He added: “These works will reduce the water charges being paid by schools. They also will create much-needed jobs in the local construction sector over the coming months. I now urge schools to ensure that they get best value for money on prices for jobs in the more competitive construction market.”
This year, almost €579 million will be invested in school building infrastructure under the school building and modernisation programme.
On 1 January 2010, under the EU Water Framework Directive, all schools are liable for full metered water charges, which are set and collected by local authorities. Previously, transitional per capita rates applied. These were set at €3 in 2007, €3.50 in 2008 and €4 in 2009.
The transition period to full metered water charges for schools came to an end on 1 January 2010 and since that date, water usage in schools has been metered and schools are required to pay for the water used.
