Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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554. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to arrange for a school (details supplied) to be insulated. [46754/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware my Department provides funding via the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) 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 a number of categories of works, which could include the provision of insulation and was last opened for applications in 2019.

It should be noted that the Deputy refers in his question to Killucan NS, however the roll number provided is for Columba College. At this moment in time we do not currently have any applications for Killucan NS or any open applications for Columba College Roll Number 71430C under the Fabric Defects category. However, the Deputy should note the SWS team is working with the school on a Roof works project which is ongoing.

My 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 2025 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.