Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
761. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department provides grants to schools engaging in nature-based education for the purchase of necessary equipment such as waterproof clothing, gardening tools, storage equipment and materials for outdoor activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11609/26]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department does not provide grants to schools for the provision of equipment to undertake nature-based activities. The NPWS has, however, a number of Education Centres based in National Parks and Nature Reserves around the country where school groups can visit and engage in nature-based activities and learn about nature. National Parks and Nature Reserves regularly run themed nature awareness days for primary schools, and ecology and environmental days for secondary schools. Rangers and Education Guides also visit schools in their areas to give talks about specific projects being undertaken in their areas as well as discussing nature specific to their areas. The NPWS website has some resources available for teachers to use for nature related items.
