SEVEN West Cork schools have been awarded a share in a €90 million, nationwide climate action investment package to sustainably upgrade their facilities.

Derrinacahara NS, Dunmanway; Castletownsend NS; Derrycreha NS, Glengarriff; Dundar Mhuighe NS, Kinsale; S N Garran An Easaigh, Killbrittain; Drinagh Mixed NS, Dunmanway; Scoil An Croi Ro Naofa, Castletownbere were selected alongside 290 other schools nationwide to share in the first tranche of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme aimed at boosting sustainability.

The 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, Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said.

‘This funding will help ensure every child has the opportunity to be engaged by world class facilities that equip them with the skills and competencies they need to thrive after they finish school,’ Minister O’Sullivan said.

‘I’m particularly proud of the schools in West Cork who did the work required to receive this funding. Fair play and well done to the principals and staff who have been successful this round.’

The funding was also welcomed by Fine Gael Senator Noel O’Donovan.

He said: ‘This scheme has allowed schools to 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 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 summer months during school holiday periods.