Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, Budget 2023 provided for the provision of funding from the Climate Action Fund in relation to the provision of Photovoltaic Panels in schools up to 6KW output.

This is positive news for our schools and will assist with their energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings.

My officials are working closely with colleagues in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication in relation to the arrangements for this multi-annual scheme and details will be announced in the shortest timeframe possible.

As part of planning for the rollout of this multi-annual scheme, the capacity surveys of the school system that are currently underway will also include obtaining up to date data on the number of schools that have solar panels currently. This is important preparatory work in planning for the rollout of this multi-annual scheme. The provision of the solar panels will be fully funded for schools.