€5 million allocated for the enhancement of school libraries
abevan December 13th, 2007
The Government has allocated over €5 million in funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund and RAPID Leverage Fund for 147 projects to enhance school library facilities at schools participating in the DEIS programme (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), schools in or serving RAPID areas and Special Schools in disadvantaged areas. The Department of Education and Science will be writing to the schools involved in the next few days informing them of their grant-aid approval. Approved projects include funding for the following: • Upgrading of existing library facilities • Conversion of existing non-core teaching rooms for use as school library • Provision of library stock • Provision of relevant ICT equipment Minister of State Pat Carey welcomed the Government Decision and said “I am delighted to announce this decision today along with my colleagues, Minister Hanafin and Minister Ó Cuív. Education is a vital resource for young people and the enhanced library facilities will go a long way in enriching the lives of the young people attending these schools” Minister Ó Cuív said “I am delighted that we have been able to utilise the Dormant Accounts Fund and RAPID funding for additional investment in our children’s education, particularly as this supplementary funding is being targeted at schools located in areas of greatest need throughout the country. These library enhancement allocations, along with the previously approved investment in school play facilities will provide a major boost to schools’ infrastructure in many needy areas, thus enriching the learning environment in support of the ongoing educational development of our children”. Minister Hanafin said “this funding is provided as part of this Government’s ongoing commitment to counteract educational disadvantage. Thousands of students and many communities will benefit greatly from new and improved library facilities where they can learn and develop a love for books.” Minister Hanafin welcomed the fact that a number of the schools approved for funding have indicated that they intend to open the school library to siblings and parents to help improve adult literacy. Minister Hanafin has always encouraged schools to share their facilities with the wider community to the greatest extent possible, after the school day has ended. A list of allocations by county is available from the Press Office (01 6473130 or mailto:eolas@pobail.ie).