Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
333. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the share of all primary schools in the country that have access to drinking water from the mains, local water scheme or their own well; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18276/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll primary schools in the country should have access to drinking water either via the public mains, a local water scheme or from their own well.
Where a school has a particular water connection concern within the school property or has a building issue that limits their access to drinking water, they can utilise their Minor Works Grant or in emergency circumstances apply to the Emergency Works Scheme. The Planning and Building Unit provide specific design guidance in relation to water supply and distribution to schools including ‘TGD-030.1 - Guidelines on Mains Water Distribution Systems in Primary Schools’.
Between 2018 and 2023 in the region of €310 million in Minor Works Grants and Enhanced Minor Works Grants has been allocated to primary and post-primary schools. The Minor Works Grant for the current school year 2023/2024, was paid in April 2023, to all primary schools including special schools.
Schools have the autonomy to use this funding for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds. Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs.
Arrangements are currently being made for the payment of €29 million in Minor Works grants to primary schools and special schools for the forthcoming 2024/25 school year.
