John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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336. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to finance a deep energy retrofit of schools over the coming years to meet climate change targets. [45432/18]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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337. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that have been financed and the relevant work carried out in order to reach the necessary standards of a deep energy retrofit in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; his plans for 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45437/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 336 and 337 together.

In the National Development Plan (2018-2027) €2.5bn is identified for the refurbishment and construction of schools. Part of this is intended for a deep energy retrofit of schools built prior to 2008.

My Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland are currently involved in an energy efficiency retrofit pilot scheme for schools. The longer-term outcome of this scheme will be to create an accurate and scalable model for energy efficient retrofits of schools across the country.

This pilot commenced in 2017 when ten schools received energy retrofits. In 2018, six schools received retrofits. For 2019 we are hoping to expand this programme.

Energy Conservation Measures delivered to date include fabric (roofs, walls, glazing and doors), heating (boilers, controls, Building Management systems), and electrical (LED lighting and solar PV).