Limerick set to benefit from national Climate Action Scheme.
APPROVAL has been granted for 12 projects in Limerick to benefit greatly under the 2027 Climate Action Summer Works Scheme.
Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, announced an €80 million investment for projects across the country under the scheme.
The Climate Action Summer Works Scheme is a key element of the department’s programme of investment in the school estate.
It supports schools in addressing building condition needs while delivering climate action measures that improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower operational costs.
Minister Naughton said, “This €80 million investment will support schools in Limerick and across the country to improve the quality, sustainability and energy efficiency of their buildings, creating better learning and working environments for students and staff.”
The scheme is designed to allow schools to carry out small and medium-scale building works that will improve and upgrade existing school buildings. Such works are typically done over a summer period during school holiday periods.
The projects approved under this tranche were assessed and prioritised by the department based on the individual needs of schools and the urgency of the works required. A particular focus this year was supporting projects in special schools.
The 12 Limerick schools granted project approval are Limerick Community Special School, Desmond College, Scoil Naomh Muire, Eas Géitine, Thomond Primary School, Limerick City East Educate Together Ns, St Josephs, St Brigids Ns, S N Gleann Gcreabhar, S N Naomh Padraig, St James N S, St Johns Convent, and S N Sheanain.
Minister Naughton continued, “This investment not only helps schools address important building needs but also contributes to our wider climate objectives by improving energy performance and reducing operating costs over time.”
“A key strength of the scheme is its multi-annual approach. Schools whose applications were not approved in an initial tranche remain eligible for consideration in future rounds, providing greater certainty and supporting long-term planning for climate action and energy efficiency projects,” explained Minister Naughton.
Under the scheme, schools can now undertake measures such as insulation upgrades, LED lighting installation, EV charger provision, bike rack facilities to support active travel, and other climate-focused works alongside traditional maintenance.