Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
317. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding an emergency works application from a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40837/26]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for toilet facility works.
The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies. 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 school's original application was refused as the application did not fit the remit of the Emergency Works Scheme as set out in Circular Letter 0068/2020 as the EWS does not provide for upgrades, refurbishments or futureproofing. However, the option remains open to the school to appeal this decision. Appeals will only be considered if additional relevant information that was not provided as part of the original application is submitted to the Department for further review.
