Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
750. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education if raac lightweight building material, has been used in the construction of any Irish schools; if so, how many, by primary and post-primary, name and location, in tabular form; what safety precautions her Department is taking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39110/23]
View answer775. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if there has been any investigation into how many if any Irish schools have been affected by RAAC concrete issues such as those in the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39306/23]
View answer776. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education what safety inspection measures are taken to ensure the structural safety of school buildings from problems such as dry rot, inferior materials and corrosion, and if her Department conducts any safety audits into school buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39307/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 750, 775 and 776 together.
Under Project Ireland 2040, the Department of Education will be investing at least €5 billion over the period 2021 to 2025 to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.
While the relevant school authorities are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of each school, significant capital expenditure is made available by the Department via the Summer Works Scheme and Emergency Works Scheme to safeguard the future of schools by undertaking essential improvement works and addressing issues which have the potential to impact on health and safety. To date in 2023, over €60m in funding has been provided to schools under these schemes.
The ‘Guidelines on Managing Safety and Health in Post-Primary Schools’ and ‘Guidelines on Managing Safety, Health and Welfare in Primary Schools’ are management tools offering guidance and practical advice to schools. They assist in planning, organising and managing a safe and healthy school environment for staff, pupils and visitors.
In addition, my Department’s Planning and Building Unit is currently undertaking a comprehensive update of its Maintenance Manual for schools, which will provide detailed practical guidance on the implementation of a strong school maintenance regime. This will also guide schools on circumstances in which specialist expertise may be required and/or it may be necessary to make an application for support under the Department’s Emergency Works Scheme.
In relation specifically to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), my Department is closely monitoring the situation in the UK with regard to the identification of RAAC in schools and other buildings. Department officials have been briefed on the issue by UK counterparts. The Department is not currently aware of RAAC being used in schools here. Contacts with industry and the Irish Concrete Society have also indicated to the Department that they have no knowledge of the use of this material in Ireland.
