Five schools in County Meath were shortlisted to become part of an EU energy retrofit programme included in a €81 million EU funding package.
Scoil Oilibhéir Naofa in Kilcloon, Scoil Naomh Bride in Batterstown, Rathbeggan National School in Ratoath, Soil Nais Aitinn Bhui in Navan and SN Naomh Pádraig in Slane are the five Meath schools part of the energy retrofit programme shortlist.
All schools involved were part of a pilot phase of the Schools Energy Inventory project which was supported by the European Investment Bank.
They will be given a retrofit which includes the installation of heat pumps, LED lighting, electric car chargers, and mechanical heat recovery ventilation with upgrades to the fabric and airtightness of the schools.
“I’m delighted five schools in this district have been shortlisted,” Cllr Caroline O’Reilly said.
“I’ll be lobbying Norma (Foley) and the Department of Education to try and get them on the final list. This retrofit will drag down the schools cost of energy and keep our kids warm.”
40 schools across five counties in Ireland are part of the energy retrofit programme shortlist which is part of a €81 million EU funding package. This is the largest of five investments part of Ireland’s funding allocation for its National Recovery and Resilience Plan. It is also a portion of the €240 million Ireland secured under the REPowerEU programme, the EU plan to reduce dependence on fossil fuels supplied by Russia, increase EU energy supply independence and security, and accelerate the green transition.
“It is really positive to see the results of the extensive collaboration between my department, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the Commission in having this formally adopted through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan,” Minister for Education Norma Foley said.
“We’re not there yet but this is very positive,” O’Reilly continued.
“School buildings throughout the country are crying out for cash for energy enhancements and retrofitting so to get five schools in East Meath on the shortlist is good going at this stage. ”
