18 local schools are to get money for improvement works.
35 million has been approved for the summer works scheme which will see upgrades at 15 primary & secondary schools in Kilkenny and 3 in Carlow.
It follows 36 million already announced in March for 16 other local schools.
Some of the schools to benefit this time include Holy Family girls national school in Askea, St Aidans National school Kilmanagh, Scoil Naomh moling in Glynn, Listerlin mixed national school and Colaiste Eamon Ris in Callan.