Less than half applications for 'emergency' works at Cork schools are approved
To date in 2026, a total of 103 applications have submitted for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) from schools in Cork, with 47 applications approved for funding.
Less than half of all applications made by schools for emergency works by Cork schools this year were approved, the Department of Education has confirmed.
The Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies.
Education minister Hildegarde Naughton said: “An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.”
To date in 2026, a total of 103 applications have submitted for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) from schools in Cork, with 47 applications approved for funding, she said.
Ms Naughton added: “The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope works to address the emergency situation.
“The EWS is intended to remedy an emergency situation and usually provides only an interim measure until a permanent solution can be delivered under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) which deals with upgrade works to the school.”
The information was provided to Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould, who said: “School principals do not fill out the paperwork for these schemes as a hobby. They do it because their school needs investment."
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