Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department’s Guidance (gov.ie - Guidance on Ventilation in Schools (www.gov.ie) (www.gov.ie/en/publication/c6578-room-air-cleaner-guidance-for-schools/) sets out the practical steps for improving ventilation in a school setting. Where poor ventilation continues to exist in a particular room/area, schools are advised to consider air cleaners as an additional measure in conjunction with other methods of ventilation that are available. This is in line with the Expert Group guidance, which identified that in areas with poor ventilation, that structural interventions and measures to increase natural ventilation, could be completed.

Schools were advised in Circular 65/2021 (gov.ie - Enhanced Minor Works Grant Funding for Primary Schools, Exceptional Minor Works Grant Funding for Post-Primary Schools with a particular focus on supporting enhanced ventilation (www.gov.ie)) that they could use their Minor Works Grant to address their ventilation requirements.

As there is no one solution that fits all scenarios, each school must use bespoke analysis, and an appropriate ventilation solution should be matched to the specific room size and volume. Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed to decide how to use this funding to address their particular needs in line with the Department’s Guidance.

Schools could also apply for additional Emergency Works Scheme grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements where the Minor Works Grant does not cover the full cost of the works required. Schools can also seek the recommendation of a Chartered Engineer or Registered Architect to garner specialist advice/assistance. This will help ensure that appropriate solutions are being put in place to address ventilation issue.