Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
250. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to annual running cost estimates for pathfinder schools (details supplied); if this shortfall will be supplemented by her Department; if repair and upkeep of infrastructure related to retrofit projects is under consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50953/23]
View answerMy Department has a strong record with respect to sustainable energy in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both national and international level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in design and specification.
My Department’s approach to the decarbonisation of the school sector is predicated on establishing a credible phased pathway to zero emissions, and meeting 2030 public sector targets through an evidence based approach, informed by the Department’s Energy Research Programme which has been in place from 1997 with over 54 different research strands.
There has been a strong early focus on energy efficiency in the school sector. In 2009 my Department provided 100% funding for a school sector insulation scheme and in 2010 a water conservation programme.
Since 2009, schools designed and built in accordance with the Department’s schools technical guidance documents have achieved A3 Building Energy Ratings.
Current schools typically achieve up to 20% higher energy performance and 25% better carbon performance than required by Building Regulations.
In addition, 10% of primary energy in these schools is provided via solar photovoltaic panels. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is also provided.
My Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications have developed a jointly funded school sector decarbonisation pathfinder programme. It is administered by the Planning and Building Unit in my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in partnership with devolved delivery support from Limerick Clare Education and Training Board and Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board.
This pathfinder is a great example of collaboration, ensuring the deployment of new design approaches and technologies are introduced to the school sector on an evidence based approach. This programme continues to assist my Department to explore options and test various solutions for decarbonised energy efficiency solutions in our broad range of school building types.
Each school undergoes a comprehensive assessment to ensure that the retrofit measures are suitable for that school, will deliver value to both the school and learnings for the national retrofit programme, and will not create an undue burden to the school in relation to upkeep of infrastructure related to the retrofit projects.
The works typically involves upgrades to the building fabric including wall and roof insulation, doors and windows, air tightness improvements, LED lighting and heating upgrades as well as renewable technologies. A Building Energy Rating (BER) of B is the targeted energy rating for these schools.
This pathfinder programme has completed work to date in 53 schools across Ireland. Work is progressing in an additional 11 schools.
The budget for the pathfinder programme of works from 2017 to 2023 is circa €110 million. The 2023/24 Pathfinder has a targeted budget of €50 million.
The details supplied with this question have been confirmed to the Department as preliminary information presented to the school at a recent meeting. This has been clarified during follow up engagement with the school. A more refined detailed analysis is to be shared at a prearranged meeting with the School Board of Management this week. This data will indicate to the school that the developed design and project delivery will have a positive effect on the existing running costs of the school.
