1101. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the progress of the solar for schools programme; the number of schools that have availed of the programme to date, in a county-by-county breakdown, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56980/26]

The Schools PV Programme provides eligible schools with up to 6 kilowatts peak of roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) installations on their roofs, which equates to approximately 14 solar panels.

The Schools PV Programme is funded by the Government’s Climate Action Fund in line with the Government’s recognition that taking action on climate change is central to Ireland’s social and economic development. It is assisting schools in reducing their energy costs and carbon footprint as part of the response to meeting the 2030 and 2050 Climate Action Plan targets for the schools’ sector.

The overall programme will see up to 24 megawatts of installed renewable energy provision on schools with associated savings in the region of €5.5 million per year across 4,000 schools.

The installation of solar PV panels schools directly assists schools to reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs, while also educating pupils and the wider school community about the benefits of solar technology.

Since the launch of the programme in November 2023,

• 3,800 schools completed the expression of interest stage via the School Hub;

• 3,345 schools have progressed to tender stage;

• with 3,121 of those schools so far approved for funding.

• To date, of the schools who progressed to tender stage 2,635 have so far confirmed their installations as complete.

All eligible schools have now been invited to participate in the scheme. It is anticipated that the programme will be substantially completed by end of 2026/early 2027.

The attached document lists the schools who have been approved for funding under the programme to date.

Schools Approved Funding