Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
586. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department provides grants to schools engaging in nature-based education for the purchase of necessary equipment such as waterproof clothing, gardening tools, storage equipment and materials for outdoor activities;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11608/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that under the 2nd National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development - ESD to 2030, my department provides grants to schools for ESD related projects.
In 2025, €860,000 was delivered to 390 primary and post primary schools across the country for a wide range of ESD projects including the development of school gardens and outdoor classrooms, forest schools, recycling systems, biodigesters and food waste management systems, composting systems, fast fashion projects, recycling initiatives, irrigation and rainwater collection systems, energy education initiatives, student led sustainability projects, teacher professional learning and a range of sustainability themed workshops.
Grants of up to €2,500 were available to schools in 2025 and the ESD projects funded were required to include an element of “local community action for sustainability”, a priority area in our ESD to 2030 strategy. Schools will report on their projects at the end of the 2025/26 school year and are also committed to publishing their schools Sustainability Policy Statement in accordance with the School Sector Climate Action Mandate. The department is mapping these Sustainability Policy Statements.
A further €466,000 in ESD to 2030 funding was provided to 21 organisations in 2025 to support a range of ESD programmes and supports for schools including the Nature Explorer Programme, the Picker Pals programme, the Heritage Keepers programme, the Farmer Time programme, the Wise Water programme, the Wool in School programme and the Grow it Yourself programme. Other projects include the Climate and Nature Summit, the Rubbish Film Festival and the student led Civil Engagement Roadshow. Many of the projects include workshops for students and engagement by students with local level and community action.
In addition to funding provided to schools, the department provided €498,246 in grant funding to ten national youth organisations and associated partner organisations under the Youth Climate Justice Fund in 2025. Grants were awarded to carry out youth-led projects related to climate justice at community, regional and national level.
A total of €10 million was allocated in December 2025 to primary and special schools in the free education system to support the purchase of physical resources aligned with the new Wellbeing Specification.
Funding may be used to purchase durable, reusable, low-maintenance and weather-resistant resources that support wellbeing activities including PE and outdoor learning. This can include items such as outdoor and adventure resources, playground materials, weatherproof picnic tables and benches, and long-term storage solutions for PE and wellbeing equipment, including indoor and weatherproof outdoor options.
ESD to 2030 aims to ensure that all learners acquire the skills needed to promote sustainable development in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal target 4.7. ESD incorporates the three interdependent and interlinked strands of sustainable development: Social Sustainability, Economic Sustainability and Environmental Sustainability.
ESD to 2030 contributes to delivery of the Climate Action Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals National Implementation Plan.
Further details on ESD to 2030 funding, the ESD to 2030 strategy, the Sustainability Toolkit for Schools and map of Schools Sustainability Policy Statements are all available on the ESD to 2030 webpage here: National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development in Ireland (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/national-strategy-on-education-for-sustainable-development-in-ireland/)
Further details on the Youth Climate Justice Funding is available here: Minister McEntee announces €498,000 for youth climate projects (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/press-releases/minister-mcentee-announces-498000-for-youth-climate-projects/)
