Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
325. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will urgently, on health and safety grounds, send a team from the planning and building unit of her Department to inspect the extremely poor condition of a school building in County Clare (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53256/26]
View answerA school building project for Gaelscoil Ui Choimin is currently at Stage 2a of the architectural design process. It is devolved for delivery to Limerick Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB).
To address any issues with regards to the present accommodation the school are advised to consider the submission of an Emergency Works application. 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 need resources because of an emergency situation. The EWS usually provides an interim solution until such time as a permanent solution can be delivered.
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 EWS is open to primary and post primary schools with permanent recognition and in non-rented accommodation. To make an application schools must complete the online Emergency Works Application Form available through the Esinet system. Once received the EWS team will review and engage with the school directly as appropriate.
