Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
176. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if applications for emergency works and additional accommodation for a school (detail supplied) will be supported, as the works are urgently needed by the school and its students, in particular students with ASD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70782/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, 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 is a devolved process and 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 in question currently has a small number of active applications under consideration by the EWS team. The EWS team is aware of the urgent nature of these works and will revert to the school in question with an update in this regard shortly.
Separately, in respect of the additional accommodation project it should be noted that Phase 1 of the reconfiguration works for the school referred to by the Deputy was completed in May 2024 and this resulted in new accommodation for the school including a new Technology/Graphics room, modern toilet block, disabled access toilet, a deputy principal's office and improved access to the permanent building of the school.
My department has had a number of discussions previously with the school authorities in relation to the proposed phase 2 element of the project and is exploring a number of options and the need for further discussions with the local county council. My Department will be in further contact with the school authorities directly on this matter shortly.
