Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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518. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if urgent attention will be given to an issue in relation to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46540/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications have developed a jointly funded school sector decarbonisation pathfinder programme. It is administered by the Planning and Building Unit in my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in partnership with devolved delivery support from Limerick and Clare Education Training Board, and Longford and Westmeath Education Training Board.

This Pathfinder programme is paving the way for, and informing, a much larger national decarbonisation school sector programme.

The Energy Pathfinder programme in the school the Deputy refers to includes the following packages of work: replacement of windows, roof lights and doors with new energy efficient versions, additional wall insulation, new ceilings and building airtightness works. The heating upgrade comprises new radiators, piping and control valves with new air source heat pump supported by LPG condensing boiler – all controlled by new building control system. New heat pump domestic hot water is also being installed. Works in building also includes new LED lighting with new controls, mechanical heat recovery ventilation, 6 kWp solar panel PV system and EV charging facility.

Also included in project is creation of three SEN classrooms converted from original classrooms. This new configuration includes quiet spaces and accessible toilets to give substantial improvement to school layout and facilities.

A significant portion of the above works are complete on site and work remaining includes works to external doors that are programmed for February mid-term break. Stakeholders continue to liaise with the school and contractor as part of the project delivery.

Emergency funding has been awarded to the school to address electrical emergency work that are outside the scope of the energy retrofit and instruction has been issued to the contractor. They are working with their design team, the programme manager and the school on final programming and are aiming to initiate these works around the February midterm break.