Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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496. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to confirm the allocated budget in her Department for a climate-focused summer works programme for 2025; if significant roof replacement works can be considered in terms of applications from schools that also have strategic plans developed by recognised consultants to decarbonise their energy sources and make their schools more energy efficient as part of overall multi-annual decarbonisation and energy efficiency strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29028/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, I recently announced details in respect of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS) 2026 onwards. The purpose of the CASWS is to devolve funding to individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works which, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The CASWS will operate on a multi-annual basis for a number of categories, including roof works which could include the replacement of roofs.

The scheme now includes a strong climate action dimension, which for roof works can include if required associated airtightness works, attic insulation, cavity wall insulation, and bike rack provision. The option is available to the school when making their application for roof works to apply for one, some or all of the above climate action elements.

The new CASWS opened for applications on the 1st May 2025 and will remain open for applications until 5.30pm on the 30th of June 2025 when the applications window will close. The CASWS will operate on a multi-annual basis with the first tranche of projects being announced in Q4 2025 for commencement in summer 2026. Under this scheme, approved applications from schools that are not reached for funding or market prioritisation reasons (as above) in 2026 will qualify to be assessed for purposes of the funding available for climate action summer works in subsequent years.

Full details of the new CASWS, Circular (0029/2025) for the scheme and guidance documents for schools can be found at the below link: www.gov.ie/en/service/3230e1-summer-works-scheme/.