The school referred to by the Deputy contacted my Department’s Planning and Building Unit last year seeking a new school building. The school authority were advised that as their school was not on the Department’s Capital programme, it was not possible to proceed with a new school building project at this time. They were advised that as part of the Schools Deep Energy Retrofit Programme, all schools built prior to 2008 will be eligible under the national programme of works within the National Development Plan commencing from 2023 to have an energy retrofit carried out with a view to increasing comfort levels and reducing CO2 emissions and energy bills.
The school authority were also advised that the Department’s Additional Accommodation Scheme is available should the school require additional accommodation and the Emergency Works Scheme could be used to address any immediate Health and Safety issues.