Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 March 2025
307. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education the current status of a school building (details supplied); if she will report on the assessment of the school building undertaken by officials within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13043/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 the minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation. The EWS usually provides an interim solution until such time as a comprehensive solution can be provided under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS).
As the Deputy maybe aware, 4th Feb 2025 an official from my Department attended a site visit to the school in question in order to assess the situation following storm Éowyn. Following on this visit, the EWS team has engaged with school, noting that the school should submit an EWS application as an appropriate next step. The EWS team is currently awaiting the submission of this application and, once this has been received the EWS team will review the revised application and will engage further with the school as appropriate. The EWS team is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.
