Education – Page 4 – Andrew Doyle,TD Minister of State for Food, Forestry & Horticulture

Funding boost for 13 schools in Wicklow and East Carlow to carry out vital electrical upgrades and gas works

andrew 2016, Education, Wicklow - East Carlow April 29, 2016May 4, 2016Blessington, Delgany, East Carlow, schools, Wicklow

Class Fine Gael TD Andew Doyle for Wicklow and East Carlow said that 13 schools in the constituency are to benefit from funding to improve and upgrade school buildings for students and teachers.

“It’s very welcome news that Coláiste Eoin, Hacketstown, Delgany NS Delgany, Sn Nicolais Naofa , Jonathan Swift NS Dunlavin, Scoil San Eoin Redcross, Shillelagh No 1 N S and Scoil Mhuire Na Naird Shillelagh, Annacurra NS Annacurra, Scoil An Choroin Mhuire Wicklow Town, Crossbridge NS Crossbridge, Blessington Educate Together, St John’s Senior School Arklow, Scoil Chonglais Baltinglass will get funding to carry out vital electrical upgrades and gas works

“Funding of €30 million will see major improvements in 197 primary and post primary schools around the country under the Summer Works Scheme for 2016 and 2017.

“The majority of works in schools in Wicklow and East Carlow will be carried out in schools over the summer months, to minimise disruption to students, teachers and other school staff.

“I’m very aware of the great work being done in schools across Wicklow and East Carlow and this funding will help Boards of Management and school principals in Wicklow and East Carlow to carry out priority gas and electrical projects, which are necessary to improve and upgrade school buildings for both pupils and teachers.

“In my view it is vital that students and teachers in schools across Wicklow and East Carlow spend their days in an environment that is comfortable and conducive to study. This Government is committed to funding improvement and upgrading works in schools across Wicklow and East Carlow to help improve the learning environment for students.

“This Summer Works Scheme is also welcome news for the local economy in Wicklow and East Carlow as it will support jobs in the construction sector and stimulate economic activity.”

More awareness needed around mental health issues, as well as continued investment

andrew 2016, Children and Youth Affairs, Education, Health, Uncategorized, Wicklow - East Carlow April 29, 2016April 29, 2016Darkness into Light, Mental Health, Pieta House

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle, says more awareness is needed around mental health issues and continued investment in the area is essential.

“I was fortunate to be able to make a contribution to the Dáil debate on mental health this week as there is a lot of interest in this issue. I used my speech to compliment the excellent work done in Wicklow by organisations dealing with mental health services.

“Mental health is still considered a taboo, yet it’s often as commonplace as alcoholism. I believe that there needs to be more awareness around mental health issues and that negative stereotypes surrounding mental illness should be banished. I think this is particularly important in relation to young adults, who are often at a high risk of developing mental health problems.

“This year Pieta House launched the Darkness into Light Walk in a Wicklow secondary school and on the 7th May I, along with many others, will be participating in the event in Wicklow town at 4.15 am. This walk is a great initiative, which has gathered momentum over the past number of years and deserves support.

“As a member of the Wicklow Drug Task Force I also feel that we need to examine the links between drug use, alcoholism and mental health issues. These issues must be highlighted to both parents and pupils in schools in Wicklow.

“Mental Health is a very important issue for us all and I will continue to work to raise awareness and to help to ensure that mental health services are properly resourced.”
ENDS