Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am looking forward to Sunday, if I can squeeze that in.

The roll-out of my Department’s climate action summer works scheme is a key part of our commitment under the national development plan to support investment in the existing school estate while also delivering on the climate action agenda. Through the scheme, schools can undertake a wide range of improvement projects and targeted climate measures, such as fabric upgrades, LED lighting, roof and window replacements, installation of electric vehicle, EV, chargers and bike racks, and other essential maintenance works.

The scheme is implemented on a devolved basis and, ideally, the work is of a scale that can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disruption of the operation of the school. The climate action summer works scheme operates on a multi-annual basis across a number of categories of works.

The scheme was opened for applications from 1 May to 30 June 2025, where over 1,400 applications were received. In November 2025, the Department announced the first tranche of approvals under that scheme. A total of 297 projects were approved to proceed, including 198 under the new climate action summer works scheme and a further 99 that represent the final tranche of projects under the previous summer works scheme. The Department continues to actively engage with these schools to support the delivery of approved projects. It is envisaged that the majority of these projects will be on site this summer.

Given that funding is limited in any particular year, it is necessary to prioritise applications. Applications from schools that were not approved in 2025 will still qualify to be assessed in subsequent years within the context of the available funding envelope. As to the Deputy's question, the next tranche of approvals under the climate action summer works scheme is due in October 2026 for delivery in summer 2027.

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