Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:985. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated first and full-year cost of retrofitting science labs in one and up to a maximum of 20 DEIS secondary schools. [40753/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 July 2025
Ceisteanna (985)
Freagraí scríofa
The primary mechanism for the upgrade of existing science laboratories in schools is the Summer Works Scheme. The purpose of the Summer Works Scheme is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school.
A new Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS) was opened for applications on the 1st May 2025 and closed for applications at 5.30pm on the 30th of June 2025. The scheme now includes a strong climate action dimension and operates on a multi-annual basis across a number of categories of works such as Climate Action and Science Labs (incl. Gas Works), which could include the full refurbishment of Science labs in schools, including DEIS schools.
Officials in my Department are currently in the process of validating and assessing the applications received under the CASWS and schools will be informed of any updates on their applications in due course. The estimated costs for refurbishment of science labs at individual schools can vary depending on the nature and extent of refurbishment works to be undertaken and the level of furniture and equipment to be upgraded.