Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2026
340. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of significant health and safety concerns being raised by the management and parents of a school in Dublin 20 (details supplied); if her Department will fully support the school to ameliorate these issues in advance of the new academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49010/26]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, my Department has been engaging with the school in question regarding particular condition issues at the school. At the outset, I wish to emphasise that the health and safety of pupils and staff is paramount, and this remains the overriding priority for both the school authorities and the Department.
I am aware that the school has raised further concerns relating to a bat infestation within the roof space and associated environmental issues. These matters have understandably caused concern within the school community and require careful and coordinated action.
In this case, the presence of bats introduces a specific statutory framework, as bats are a protected species under environmental legislation. I understand that a derogation licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service is required before any works that may disturb the bats can proceed. Ecological expertise has been engaged to progress this process, and the Department is working to ensure that the necessary application is advanced as quickly as possible within the statutory framework.
It is important to note that this process is subject to timing constraints, including restrictions during periods when bat roosts cannot be disturbed, which impacts on when works can commence. These are legal requirements that must be complied with and are not within the discretion of the Department or the school.
Alongside this, there has been ongoing engagement between the Department, technical experts and the school authorities to progress the necessary next steps. Ecologists already engaged have indicated that the derogation application can be submitted within a defined timeframe, and work is ongoing to coordinate the technical inputs required to move the project forward.
The Department is moving the project into a more appropriate delivery programme, which will allow for a more coordinated approach to design, technical assessment and delivery. Once this realignment is complete, the Board of Management will be formally advised of the next steps, including procedures and funding arrangements. Due to the complexity of the issues, it is anticipated that the Department will provide project manager supports which should also ease the burden on the school.
Separately, it is open to schools to seek support under the Emergency Works Scheme, which is designed to provide funding for urgent and unforeseen health and safety issues. I understand that an emergency works application for fire alarms works were approved in February of this year and a more recent application in relation to electrical works has been received by the Department recently and will be dealt with accordingly. Where there are a number of different workstreams it is important that there is a coordinated approach and appropriate delivery mechanism.
I want to reassure the Deputy that the Department will continue to engage closely with the school authorities, providing whatever support is necessary to address these issues as quickly and effectively as possible. In this context I understand that there is ongoing engagement between the Principal and a senior architect in the Department regarding the matter. This engagement has included a number of site visits to the school.
