Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
258. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of applications for emergency works grants submitted by schools for the years 2020-2026 to date; the number of applications approved in the same timeframe; and the amount of consultant fees repaid to schools upon approval of an emergency works grant in this timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9112/26]
View answerAn 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.
It should be noted that all applications received into the EWS are assigned and assessed shortly after receipt of the application. Where an application meets the criteria and has provided all required information it is normally approved within days of initial receipt. However, in the majority of cases further engagement with the applicant school is required and the application(s) in question remain in a status of 'awaiting assessment' until such time as the required information in received. As such, there is no formal backlog within the Department pertaining to the EWS
With respect to applications made, application approved and rejected under the emergency works grant scheme in 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026 please see below, any applications not approved or rejected remain live on the system:
|
Year |
Number of applications |
Approved |
|
2023 |
1114 |
834 |
|
2024 |
1265 |
918 |
|
2025 |
1414 |
751 |
|
2026 to date |
135 |
21 |
In respect of the amount consultant fees repaid to schools upon approval of an emergency works grant in this timeframe, as per Circular Letter 0068/2020, the initial appointment of a consultant to complete the application form is a matter for the school authority and any fees arising must be borne by the school therefore no fees are repaid to schools upon approval of an emergency works grant.
