A new initiative, designed to upgrade conditions in primary schools, was unveiled by the Department of Education last night.
The new initiative will fund small-scale work in schools that are in urgent need of repair and renovation.
This new scheme will replace all existing small-scale building project schemes, with the exception of the Grant Scheme for Minor Works (commonly called the devolved grant scheme) that applies to primary schools.
Last night, the INTO welcomed the announcement, which comes after the Budget allocation of an extra €30 million to school buildings.
Its general secretary, Mr John Carr, said that this initiative "has the potential to quickly transfer the budget gains made by the Minister, Mr Dempsey, into the modernisation of primary schools".
He called on the Department of Education and Science to ensure that all rundown, damp and dilapidated school buildings are repaired and renovated as a matter of national importance.
Two months ago, the INTO threatened a series of one-day strikes in protest at the dilapidated conditions in many schools.
Since then, the Minister has secured an extra €53 million in the Estimates and later in the Budget funds for school buildings, taking the total allocation for primary school buildings over the €200 million mark for the first time.
Last night, Mr Dempsey said the new initiative - known as the Summer Works Scheme - will allow schools to manage their individual projects with little or no interference from the Department.
Successful applicants will know by February 27th if their projects have been included. This will allow them to plan and to also carry out work during the summer months, he said.
The closing date for receipt of fully completed application forms is close of business on Friday, January 30th, 2004.
Applications forms and full details of the scheme will be posted on the Department's website from today.
Mr Sean Dorgan, chief executive of IDA Ireland, has been appointed as chairman of the Governing Body of the Dublin Institute of Technology.
Last night, Mr Dempsey paid tribute to Mr Dorgan, who he said has led moves to build "Ireland's competitive advantages in knowledge-based activities".