Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2023
107. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the roll-out of solar panels for all schools; if a timeline for the commencement of this project is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30782/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2023 included the announcement for the provision of up to 6kW photovoltaic (PV) panels to all schools, to be funded from the Climate Action Fund at the discretion of the Minister for the Environment. This is really positive news for our schools and will assist with their energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings.
This PV programme will form part of the response to meeting the 2030 and 2050 climate action targets for the schools sector and is a joint venture between Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) and the Department of Education (DoE).
Department officials are working closely with colleagues in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication in relation to the arrangements for this scheme. As the programme will be funded from the Climate Action Fund there is quite a rigorous process of development work required ensuring compliance with the Climate Action Fund regulations, prior to final DECC approval.
In parallel the Department is developing the strategic management requirements for provision of a multi annual solar PV delivery programme for primary and post primary schools.
As part of the preparation for the roll out of the national programme a key first step was to establish the level of existing PV installations across the overall school estate.
The solar panel programme for schools is detailed in the published Climate Action Plan 2023 to be developed with roll out of the multi-annual delivery programme commencing in Q4 2023. The Department is currently working to have the scheme developed and rolled out as soon as possible and ahead of the Q4 target timeline in the Climate Action Plan.
