John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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282. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools built prior to 2008 that applied to undergo a deep energy retrofit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24139/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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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.  As this scheme is currently in a pilot phase it is not currently open to schools to apply for inclusion.

My Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland are currently involved in an energy efficiency retrofit pilot scheme for schools.  Now in its third year, the aim of the pilot is to create a scalable model for energy efficiency retrofitting of schools. This is taking place in advance of the major programme of retrofits scheduled to commence in 2022, as outlined in Project Ireland 2040. Subject to resources, it is intended to expand the intake of schools in the pilot programme in the lead up to 2022. 

This pilot commenced in 2017 when ten schools received energy retrofits.  In 2018 six schools received retrofits and seventeen schools are set to benefit from this scheme in 2019.