Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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510. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent and estimated cost of damage to school buildings across the State resulting from storm Éowyn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3563/25]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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511. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for financial aid to schools impacted by damage from storm Éowyn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3564/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 510 and 511 together.

Following the recent weather events and associated fallout from Storm Éowyn the Department of Education’s Planning and Building Unit and in particular the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) have been in contact with a number of schools who have suffered damage. The EWS team has provided guidance and support to a number of schools who have suffered damage from the storm. The Department understands that all of these schools remain open while the necessary repair solutions are being put in place.

The Department of Education's Planning and Building Unit can advise and assist schools including in relation to the remit of the Emergency Works Scheme for State-owned buildings. School authorities should contact their insurance provider for advice and guidance in relation to any damage to school buildings due to the storm. Where schools were without power and had notified the Department, this information was passed on to the National Emergency Coordination Group. School patrons and school management bodies are also a source of advice for schools in relation to such matters.

The main purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide for unforeseen emergencies that impact on school buildings. An emergency is defined as a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and, in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening. As part of the solution for schools that have been critically affected by Storm Éowyn, and as per normal procedure under the EWS, each school will submit a consultant's report detailing the proposed solution and associated costings.

As repairs works are still ongoing and schools continue to liaise with their insurers it is not possible to put a cost on the repairs which will be carried out as a result of Storm Éowyn.