Almost 600 schools are to receive grants for repairs and upgrading works under the latest round of the Department of Education’s summer works scheme.

Some €36 million is being invested in 559 schools in the third and final tranche of funding under the current programme. It brings to €108 million the total invested since November 2013 when applications for summer works were sought from primary and post-primary schools.

Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan said the money would go towards “vital school works such as window repair and replacement, upgrading of science and specialist rooms, and external improvements such as upgrading of school perimeter fences and walls”.

Summer work would minimise disruptions, the Minister said.