€100 Million Fund for School Repairs Across Catalonia

The Catalan government has allocated €63.6 million to nearly 500 municipalities for urgent repairs and improvements in public schools, with Manresa among the top recipients at €1,039,700. The funding comes from the Generalitat’s RAM (Reform, Adaptation and Improvement) programme, which has a total budget of €100 million for 723 municipalities across Catalonia. The Department of Education and Vocational Training confirmed the disbursement as part of a broader strategy to address the deteriorating condition of school buildings, one in four of which are over 60 years old. The funds will allow local councils to replace obsolete elements such as roofs, boilers, toilets, kitchens, and asbestos-containing materials, as well as improve insulation and lighting.

Innovative Funding Model Avoids Bureaucracy

Education Minister Esther Niubó described the distribution method as "innovative", noting that funds are being transferred directly to municipalities without the need for traditional grant applications. Under Decree Law 3/2026, approved on 7 April 2026, the government has assigned funds automatically based on objective criteria, including student numbers, building age, and rural status. Municipalities can accept the allocation and specify how much they intend to spend; once confirmed, the transfer is made immediately. This streamlined process aims to reduce administrative delays and accelerate repairs.

Funding Based on Three Key Criteria

The €100 million is distributed across three main criteria:

  • €52 million based on the number of pupils enrolled in education for ages 3 to 12;
  • €41.5 million equally distributed among schools fully built or renovated before 2007 (excluding those owned by Infraestructures.cat);
  • €6.5 million weighted toward rural and specially supported rural municipalities, adjusted by student count.

This approach ensures that older schools and underserved areas receive targeted support. The remaining €36.4 million will be distributed in the coming months, with all funds expected to reach municipalities before the end of 2026.

Repairs Focus on Safety and Efficiency, Not Air Conditioning

The RAM funds are specifically for structural and safety upgrades and will not be used for classroom air conditioning. Niubó clarified that climate control is being addressed separately through the €2.5 billion Clima Plan running until 2031, which requires collaboration between local authorities and public-private partnerships. Other major allocations include over €3 million for Sabadell, €1.9 million each for Lleida and Santa Coloma de Gramenet, €1.6 million for Tarragona, and more than €1 million each for El Prat de Llobregat and Sant Cugat del Vallès. Larger pending transfers include nearly €2.9 million for L'Hospitalet de Llobregat and €2.7 million for Badalona.

"This is an unprecedented leap in investment to modernise our schools and ensure safer, healthier learning environments,"

, Sílvia Paneque, Government Spokesperson, on the €100 million initiative

Next Steps for Manresa Schools

Manresa’s city council will now decide which school projects to prioritise using the €1.04 million allocation. The funds must be used to extend building lifespans and improve health and energy efficiency. Local authorities are encouraged to begin work swiftly, with the goal of visible improvements before the next academic year.

Primary sources: govern.cat, portaljuridic.gencat.cat, diba.cat. Reported by regio7.cat, mesebre.cat, Regió 7.