Joanna Byrne (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. The school has applied for emergency works funding. It is also in the process of applying for the climate action summer works scheme this year. However, getting multiple grants at various times and doing the required works piecemeal is time consuming for primary school teachers who are already overloaded. It is almost unfair to ask them to take that route, but they are actively doing so. Work that fixes one thing in one part of the school risks being undone by not having an all-encompassing plan of works carried out to resolve the issues in these very old school buildings. That is why the school is looking at the bigger picture of the pathfinder programme.

My contribution today probably only touched the surface of the issues in this school and what the dedicated team of staff is trying to keep at bay. On top of everything I outlined regarding the issues with mould, damp, leaks, insulation, heat and so on, I have not even scratched the surface on flooring replacement, painting and decorating, security access upgrades, toilet upgrades, tree maintenance, general maintenance and all the day-to-day issues that need to be addressed but that minor works grant do not come anywhere near covering, to be frank.

We have a very passionate and dedicated team of staff in this school trying to enhance the facilities there to provide a basic fit-for-purpose education setting for the children served. I already outlined that the school meets the criteria the Minister of State outlined in his response for the pathfinder programme, but the school is in desperate need of major assistance from the Minister of State's Department. Given everything I have detailed - and I understand the Minister of State gave a preprepared response - I ask for some positive interest from the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy McEntee, in considering this school or, at the very least, a commitment to engage with the school directly to find a pathway forward for all concerned. Funding for minor works and emergency works is just not touching the surface of what is required in this school.

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