Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
341. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department is aware that a school (details supplied) applied for an emergency works grant in November 2025; the reason there has been a delay in approval of that grant; whether her Department has reviewed the school’s application re same; when the school can expect to receive the grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3117/26]
View answerThe 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. All applications for funding must meet the criteria set out in Circular Letter 0068/2020.
The school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for life safety system works on 15 December 2025.
This application has been granted funding and the project is currently with the school to progress further.
