David Cullinane
Question:108. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Youth the level of funding available to schools in Waterford for summer works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65666/25]
View answerThursday, 11 December 2025
Questions (108)
Written answers
In November of this year, the then Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee TD, announced the first tranche of approvals under the new Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. 297 projects were approved to proceed and involve primary, post primary and special schools, along with projects in all counties and across all categories of works. The investment in the first tranche of applications is in the region of €90m.
A major element of the first tranche of approvals is the modernisation of science laboratories in post-primary schools, all of which prioritised lab refurbishment in their applications. €30 million of the 2026 funding allocation will be directed towards upgrading these facilities, supporting the department’s ongoing curricular redevelopment programme.
Applications from schools that were not included in the first tranche of approvals to proceed will qualify to be assessed for progression in the context of funding available for climate action summer works in future years. It is anticipated that the next tranche of approvals will be in the latter half of 2026.
6 Schools across the county of Waterford received approval over a number of different categories in the first tranche of approvals. These schools are: Scoil Náisiúnta an Chlais Mhor, St. Mary’s National School, Ardscoil na nDéise, De La Salle College, Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School and St Angela's Secondary School. It is not possible to provide details of the costings for all applications and categories as all approved applications will be required to go to tender, therefore providing cost details at this point could compromise the achievement of value for money. However, I can assure the Deputy that the investment in these schools is not insignificant and these works will have a really positive impact for these school communities.
This benefit will have been felt across schools in Waterford with respect to previous summer works rollout, with circa €6.5m invested in 40 summer works projects in the county since 2020. This is in the wider context of My Department's investment of almost €135m in capital expenditure since 2020 in Waterford. This investment has supported the completion of 32 school building projects including 3 new school buildings. Currently 18 projects are in construction. In addition, 11 further projects are at an advanced stage of delivery, of which 3 are new school buildings.
Full details of the Climate Action Works Scheme including details of the first tranche of approvals can be found at [gov.ie - Summer Works Scheme]