Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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173. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for details of grant aid for insulation for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5042/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As you may be aware, the purpose of the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, 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 for categories of works such as roof works, window replacement, mechanical and electrical works, external works etc. and was last opened for applications in 2019.

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 and planning for the next phases of the summer works programme and the opportunities this may create to support the sustainability agenda. In this regard, it is envisaged at this stage that, a Multi-Annual SWS with a focus on climate action and energy conservation will be the focus for the next summer works scheme to be opened for applications. The arrangements and timing of that SWS is still under consideration and schools will be updated in due course.

It should also be noted that the Energy in Education website portal and advice programme (Joint programme between SEAI and Dept. of Education) also provides schools with information on how to improve energy use practices and to reduce school operating costs while helping to protect the environment for future generations. The website can be accessed at the following link. www.energyineducation.ie.