Minister McEntee announces €90m Climate Action Summer Works Scheme for 2026 with major boost for school science laboratories
- Foilsithe: 18 Samhain 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 18 Samhain 2025
- €30m of total funding ring-fenced for refurbishment of science labs to support curricular redevelopment programme
- 297 projects approved nationwide, including completion of all outstanding projects under previous scheme
Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee has today (Tuesday) announced a €90 million investment package for the 2026 Climate Action Summer Works Scheme, confirming approval for 297 projects across the country.
A major element of the announcement is the modernisation of science laboratories in 60 post-primary schools, all of which prioritised lab refurbishment in their applications. €30 million of the 2026 funding allocation will be directed to upgrading these facilities, supporting the department’s ongoing curricular redevelopment programme.
In total, the approvals include:
- 198 projects under the new Climate Action Summer Works Scheme, covering science lab upgrades as well as roof works, electrical and mechanical improvements, window replacements, energy-efficiency measures and essential maintenance.
- 99 remaining projects from the previous Summer Works Scheme have also been approved, which facilitates the closing out of this multi-annual scheme.
The Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (which was previously named the Summer Works Scheme) places a strong emphasis on sustainability. 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.
The project approvals being announced today have been assessed and prioritised by the department. They involve a variety of category of works and a wide geographical spread across 26 counties. This should help facilitate good value to be obtained by schools in the procurement process for undertaking these works, which is envisaged will take place predominantly in Summer 2026. The relevant individual schools will be notified separately on the next steps involved with the procurement and delivery of their projects.
Full details on the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme will be available on the department's website at (Summer Works Scheme) as a continual reference point for schools.
Minister McEntee said:
“I am very pleased to announce the rollout of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. This €90m investment involves the delivery of 297 projects and will support the on-going investment in the maintenance and upgrade of the school estate. I have prioritised strong investment in science laboratory refurbishment, with €30m of the total funding going there. This will support the roll-out of the new leaving certificate curriculum which aims to ensure that we equip students with the skills and competencies they need to thrive after they finish school.
“This is the first tranche of Climate Action Summer Works Scheme project approvals being made as part of the rollout of the Department’s National Development Plan 2026 to 2030. In line with commitments in the Programme for Government, my plan is to ensure that approvals will be done annually to facilitate the ongoing investment in the maintenance and upgrade of the school estate. My Education Plan sets out a vision to deliver a world-class education system which tackles disadvantage and ensures that every child can achieve their full potential. Investment in our schools is a key part of that plan.”
Notes to the Editor:
The list of approved projects is available here (link).
The Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS) 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.
Schools are required by legislation to report their energy use annually online through the Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland (SEAI). As part of the Government’s Climate Action Plan, schools that have summer works projects are required to register online with the SEAI and commit to submit the appropriate returns before any payments can issue in respect of the approved projects.