Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed significant investment for five Galway East schools – St Jarlath’s College Tuam, Kilbannon National School, Kilchreest Central School, Dunmore Community School and Gort Community School – under the €90 million Climate Action Summer Works Scheme announced today.

The national programme will support 297 school building projects in 2026, including a dedicated €30 million investment to modernise science laboratories in post-primary schools.

Minister Canney said the funding marks an important boost for school infrastructure across Galway East.

“These approvals represent a very welcome investment in our local schools. I am pleased to see key projects progressing in Tuam, Kilbannon, Kilchreest, Dunmore and Gort,” Minister Canney said. “These works will deliver real benefits for students and staff -from refurbished science labs to essential climate-action and building-fabric upgrades.”

Galway East schools approved:

St Jarlath’s College, Tuam – Climate Action & Science Labs

Kilbannon National School – Fabric Defects

Kilchreest Central School, Kilchreest – Fabric Defects

Dunmore Community School, Dunmore – Climate Action & Curricular Requirements

Gort Community School, Gort – Climate Action & Curricular Requirements

Minister Canney added: “This investment will help create safer, warmer and more modern school environments, supporting both students’ learning and our wider climate goals for many years ahead.”

Nationally, 198 projects have been approved under the new scheme, with a further 99 carried over from the previous programme. Most works will take place during Summer 2026.