John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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17. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the proposed summer works scheme for 2026; the amount of funding being made available for the scheme in 2026; the themes which will be considered as part of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59450/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Summer Works Scheme has been renamed to reflect the strong climate focus and is now called the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. The purpose of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme, or CASWS, is 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 CASWS operates on a multi-annual basis across a number of categories of works.

The categories of works covered include, roof works, electrical works, mechanical works, improvement to science labs, improvement works to toilet facilities, window projects, works related to curricular requirements, works to address fabric defects and works to external school areas.

The Climate Action Summer Works Scheme categories feature many areas that will enable schools to not just address their main works priority but will also in parallel enable climate works at the school that will assist schools to save energy and reduce their energy costs through targeted upgrades and sustainability projects. These improvements will not just reduce energy costs but will support the learning and teaching environments, and support Ireland’s wider climate goals.

It is envisaged that approvals in any given year will involve a spread of categories rather than the traditional single category at a time. This is aimed at managing market capacity and maximising value for money opportunities for school authorities.

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. The funding for this programme will be managed within my department's NDP allocation. Remaining approved applications will qualify to be assessed for delivery in subsequent years.