Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy. There is widespread agreement that this is an innovative, positive and proactive step forward on climate sustainability. I acknowledge that it has been agreed between the Departments that the solar PV programme will be rolled out to schools in phases. I am pleased to advise that we remain on track to launch the first phase of the scheme this quarter. We expect all schools to have the opportunity to apply on a phased basis between the quarter 4 of 2023 and the end of 2023. Officials from my Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications are currently working on finalising the scheme and its details. It will be launched on a phased basis in quarter 4 of 2023.

I acknowledge that this particularly innovative scheme will be the first time that capital infrastructure of this nature will be rolled out via the GIS, which will make it much more streamlined for schools and easier for them to become involved. In fairness, there has been significant development work. It was announced in budget 2023 for implementation in the 2023-24 school year. I am pleased to confirm that the first phase of that will be rolled out before Christmas.

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