The Minister for Social Protection and Dublin West Labour TD Joan Burton has confirmed new funding for Castleknock Community College to allow the school upgrade its gas central heating system.

Minister Burton’s Labour colleague, Education Minister Ruairi Quinn, is providing the funding under the Department of Education’s 2014 Summer Works Scheme.

Minister Burton said: “This is excellent news for Castleknock and will see work carried out over the summer to ensure the school is warm and comfortable for students when they return for the new term in the autumn.

“Carrying out the work over the summer, when the pupils are on holidays, will ensure that disruption to schooling will be kept to a minimum.

“This announcement follows the separate provision in recent months of funding for Castleknock’s much needed two-storey extension, which will include a new sports hall with balcony and changing rooms, ten new classrooms and a covered link to the existing school building.

“Both funding announcements are very welcome and important for the school, and will ensure excellent facilities and conditions are in place for students and staff, allowing Castleknock to further its outstanding record of educational, sporting and civic achievement.”

The heating system upgrade is one of 386 school improvement projects across Ireland approved for funding under the first round of the Summer Works Scheme.

Almost €36 million is being provided by the Department of Education and Skills under this first round.

This will allow schools to carry out small and medium-scale building works across three categories of projects – Gas, Electrical & Mechanical.

More than 98,000 students in primary and second level schools will benefit as a result of the funding being made available.

“As Minister Quinn has said, the Summer Works Scheme demonstrates this Government’s continued commitment to improve facilities in schools throughout the country,” Minister Burton said.