885. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding tender approval for urgent project at a school (details supplied) recently granted DEIS Plus status to address issues with roof currently in state of disrepair; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42909/26]

As the Deputy maybe aware, the purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies, or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for pupils with special needs. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.

An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.

The EWS is a devolved process and operates on the basis of a minimal scope works to address the emergency situation. The EWS is intended to remedy an emergency situation and usually provides only an interim measure until a permanent solution can be delivered under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) which deals with upgrade works to the school.

The school in question, under the EWS, has two outstanding applications, one for roof works and the other for life safety systems. Both projects are currently with the school to progress further.

With regards to Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS), my Department can confirm an application was received from the school in question under the Climate Action Summer Works for a roof replacement, however the school was not included in the first tranche of approvals. Given that funding is limited in any particular year it is necessary to prioritise applications.

Under the new climate action summer works scheme which operates on a multiannual basis, like previous summer works schemes, applications from schools that are not reached for funding or market prioritisation reasons in 2026 will qualify to be assessed for purposes of the funding available for climate action summer works in subsequent years. It is anticipated that the next tranche of approvals will be in the latter half of 2026.

Full details of the of the announcement and the list of schools approved in the first tranche, the Circular (0029/2025) for the scheme and guidance documents for schools can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/summer-works-scheme/.