An application for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme was received in March of this year from the school referred to by the Deputy. The application related to the replacement of roof slates. This school previously received funding for roof works.
The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme is solely for unforeseen emergencies or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils. 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.
As the scope of works requested by the school in question is outside the terms of the Emergency Works Scheme, the school has been informed that it cannot be considered for emergency funding. The school authority was also advised to raise the issue with the Consultant engaged on the original project.