Thomas Gould
Question:482. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of emergency works grant applications received for Cork schools in 2025; and the number refused, and the number drawn down. [72125/25]
View answerTuesday, 16 December 2025
Questions (482)
Written answers
The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies, or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for pupils with special needs. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.
An emergency is deemed to be 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.
The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope works to address the emergency situation. The EWS is intended to remedy an emergency situation and usually provides only an interim measure until a permanent solution can be delivered under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) which deals with upgrade works to the school.
Regarding applications received for Cork schools in 2025; there were a total of 187 applications received, 43 of which were rejected and 12 of which have requested a draw down of funds, the remaining 132 applications are in varying stages of assessment and officials continue to engage with the schools where required.