Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2026
491. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to delays in progressing emergency works at a school (details supplied); the steps she will take to ensure that this project is progressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7589/26]
View answer492. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps she will take to ensure improved communication with the principal at a school (details supplied) in relation to a project funded under the emergency works scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7590/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 491 and 492 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, the school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for fabric defects works.
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.
The application in question has been approved funding on 28 January 2026 and the project is currently with the school to progress further. The school have also been notified of this via ESINET.
