Seven schools to receive deep retrofitting works this summer

News that seven schools in Offaly will receive major retrofitting works this summer under the REPower EU Programme has been welcomed by a number of local TDs.

The schools in Offaly benefitting from the upgrades this summer include Geashill National School, The Sacred Heart Secondary School Tullamore, Mercy Primary School Birr, Shinrone Mixed National School, Scoil Bhride Clara, St Cynocs National School Ferbane and Edenderry Boys National School (St. Patrick’s).

Fine Gael TD John Clendennen said: “I am delighted that schools across Offaly will benefit from state-of-the-art energy upgrades this summer.

“These works will ensure that all schools achieve a Building Energy Rating (BER) of at least B, through the installation of heat pumps, LED lighting, upgrading of the airtightness of the school and the installation of electric car chargers.

“Not only will this make schools more energy efficient, reducing their carbon footprint and energy bills, but it will also make our schools more comfortable for the students and entire school and teaching community.

Independent TD Carol Nolan also welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee that seven schools in Offaly are among the 28 schools selected to undergo major energy and decarbonisation retrofit works this summer under the REPowerEU Programme.

In a statement issued to Deputy Nolan, the minister’s department clarified that each of the seven schools underwent a detailed, staged assessment process with final decisions based on key criteria including technical feasibility, value for money, alignment with programme timelines and compatibility with the overall funding:

“As I understand it from the department’s statement to me the seven schools, who are all in the process of construction works, will be given a deep retrofit to achieve a Building Energy Rating (BER) of at least B by installing heat pumps, LED lighting and mechanical heat recovery ventilation.”

“I also understand that the fabric and airtightness of the schools will also be upgraded, and electric car chargers will be installed.”

“We all know the enormous burden that energy costs represent for so many schools who struggle to find the financial resources to keep classrooms heated, especially during the winter months, so anything that assists in reducing those costs in the future is to be welcomed.”

“Ultimately however Government must continue to work to reduce overall electricity costs for all of our schools, especially those that do not have adequate levels of insulation,” concluded Deputy Nolan.

Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee said, “This is great news for schools in Offaly who will benefit from this investment from the REPower EU Programme. Across the country, 28 schools will benefit, with a total investment of €86 million.

“These projects are advancing quickly; from the appointment of design teams to reaching tender stage in just six months, the pace of delivery has been exceptional.

“I want to thank all schools that engaged in this Programme. There are opportunities for all schools across the country to progress their climate-proofing through the Climate Action Summer Works Programme which is open for applications until 30th June.”