Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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179. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the scheme to install solar panels for schools; the number of applications that have been received and processed to date; if work has commenced or been completed on any school; the estimated average cost to install solar panels per school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38600/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The first phase of the Schools Photovoltaic (PV) Programme launched in November 2023 to over 1600 schools.

It will provide eligible schools with 6 kWp of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 16 solar panels.

Since the launch of the first phase of the Schools PV Programme late last year, my Department has had a very positive response to the scheme, with over 1500 schools engaging with the programme through our School Hub.

Funding approval has been provided to more than 1,100 schools and we are seeing the impacts today as PV panels are being installed on school roofs around the country.

This has been a really positive response in terms of applications for solar panels from schools. It offers an opportunity for schools to reduce their carbon emissions and to reduce their energy costs.

As well as the obvious financial and climate benefits, it is expected that the visibility of the solar panels on schools will also deliver the added benefit of encouraging discussion and uptake of the technology in the wider community.

To date, of the 1500 schools who responded, approximately 1140 schools have contracts in place and approximately 850 schools have so far confirmed their PV has been installation.

As an ongoing active delivery programme financial details are not being released at this time.