Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
266. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Education if she will review her Department's decision in relation to an application for emergency works by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9988/24]
View answerThe School to which the Deputy refers initially submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for the replacement of windows and doors, and the construction of walls for same, the provision of fire-rated internal doors, partitions & glass, and the replacement of an exposed oil line underground. This application was refused as it was applying for a number of different works under one category.
The School subsequently submitted a new application for the provision of fire rated internal doors and glazing to meet current legislative requirements. This was approved by the EWS team in November 2023 but no drawdown request from the school has been received yet.
At the same time the school submitted a separate Emergency Works Application (No. 3373) for the provision of external windows & doors with demand control ventilation, and the replacement of the exposed oil pipe with PVC coated copper line to be placed underground. This was refused as the EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope of works and the school was advised that the proposed scope of works should be scaled back and a revised Itemised Cost Breakdown should be submitted.
Finally the school submitted another (EWS) application which was refused as it was a duplicate of application 3373. This may have caused confusion regarding the status of EWS application 3373, which is still live and my Department is currently awaiting receipt of a revised scope of works and ICB. My Department's EWS team will engage with the school in respect of this issue to clarify the position.
