Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As you may be aware, the purpose of the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is to devolve funding to individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works which, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The SWS operates on a multi-annual basis and was last opened for applications in 2019.The SWS is not currently open for applications.

The Department is leading an ambitious sustainability agenda and has progressed a wide array of measures to improve the overall sustainability of our school buildings. It is a priority for Government to deliver on Ireland’s ambitious climate agenda and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes targets around the decarbonisation of Ireland’s public buildings.

As part of it’s planning for 2024 and beyond, Department officials are considering the next phases of the summer works programme. It is envisaged at this stage that, a Multi-Annual SWS with an emphasis on climate action and energy conservation will be the focus for the next summer works scheme to be opened for applications. The timing of that SWS is still under consideration and schools will be updated in due course.