Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Department has a strong record with respect to sustainable energy in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both national and international level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in design and specification. The National Development Plan 2021-2030, published on 4 October 2021, provides for capital funding of more than €4.4 billion for investment in school infrastructure during the period from 2021 to 2025. There continues to be a strong climate action dimension to this additional capacity and modernisation programme. Schools designed and built in accordance with the Department’s technical guidance documents have been achieving A3 building energy ratings since 2009, with current schools typically achieving up to 20% higher energy performance and 25% better carbon performance than required by the current building regulations. In addition, 10% of primary school energy is provided via solar panels and there is infrastructure provision for electric vehicle charging.

As the Deputy will be aware, budget 2023 provided for the provision of funding from the climate action fund in respect of the provision of solar panels in schools up to 6 kW output. This is really positive news, which I am sure the Deputy will welcome, and will assist with schools’ energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings. Departmental officials are working closely with colleagues in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications on the arrangements for this scheme and details will be announced in the shortest timeframe possible. The provision of the solar panels will be fully funded for schools. I will also announce in due course a climate action summer works programme to progress climate action specific initiatives that will assist with the roll-out of smaller scale energy retrofit works in schools.

The summer works programme has for many years featured categories that assist in improving energy reduction in schools such as heating system upgrades, roof insulation upgrades, high-performance window upgrades and electrical upgrades. The Departments of Education and the Environment, Climate and Communications have established a jointly funded pathfinder programme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the planning and building unit in my Department. Support is also provided by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, ETB, in respect of the programme.

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