Having served on boards of management of primary, post primary, community and vocational schools for many years, the north Kilkenny Fine Gael councillor is well aware of how "cash-strapped" schools are.

"The Summer Works Scheme was not a luxury; schools needed that money for the basics like wiring, windows, roofing works and accommodating special needs pupils," Ms Cavanagh said.

"Last year in Kilkenny nine primary schools and 11 post-primary schools received €2.2 million to carry out vital repairs under the Summer Works Scheme. Co Kilkenny VEC received €750,000. It is unclear what the 86 schools around the county are to do this year to fund essential projects.

“Principals and boards of management are at their wits' end trying to find funding to make ends meet and the burden often falls on parents who organise fundraisers to contribute towards the necessities.”

It is not good enough for the government to abdicate its responsibility to fund schools, Ms Cavanagh said. She called on the Minister for Education Mary Hanafin to restore the scheme without delay.

"The applications have already been submitted for 2008 and it is not too late for the Minister to intervene and provide schools with this essential funding," she said.