‘Our capitation grant is in the red and has been for years’

As all sectors of society feel the squeeze of the energy crisis and spiralling costs, schools are struggling to make ends meet and are calling on the government for a long over due increase in their capitation grants.

Soaring light and heat bills are already putting pressure on schools and that is before the costly winter months when energy consumption will increase dramatically.

Cóilín O'Coigligh, principal of St Mary's Primary School in Trim says the capitation grant must be increased to cover basic costs. He pointed out that pupil numbers have been falling in recent years, and while he welcomes reduced teacher -pupil ratios, it does mean they are getting less funding in capitation grants as it is paid per pupil, yet they have the same number of classrooms to heat and outgoings such as maintenance still have to be met.

"The biggest effect is the cost of everything you buy in schools is going up. With the costs of producing and transport, prices are all going up. For example, for our extension, the furniture grant only covered two thirds of the cost of buying the furniture and the school has to make up the shortfall.

"Five years ago we had 630 students, now we have 540. So we are getting less money in capitation grants but our buildings are just as expensive to heat.

"Our capitation grant is in the red and has been for years and I would hazard a guess that most are the same. There will have to be significant fundraising this year to pick up the shortfall.

He also pointed out that they are still being asked to ventilate rooms because of Covid so windows and doors have to be opened. "Our heating costs are going through the roof because of ventilation and we have got no extra capitation grant to allow for this."

While St Mary's invested in €20,000 worth of solar panels in recent years towards the costs of electricity, they are still awaiting credit for extra electricity being generated to the grid such as during the summer months, and at weekends. Mr O'Coigligh said once the smart meter is installed in the school it should help, but for now they are not able to sell excess electricity to the grid.