€86 Million Energy Retrofit Boost for Schools

A major energy-efficiency push is underway this summer as 28 schools across Ireland are confirmed to receive deep energy retrofit upgrades through the Department of Education and Youth’s REPowerEU Pathfinder Programme.

Announced today by Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee TD, the €86 million investment will see schools transformed with state-of-the-art sustainable energy systems. The initiative is designed to enhance energy efficiency across the school estate while directly supporting Ireland’s climate action targets.

Each of the schools will receive extensive upgrades, including installation of heat pumps; mechanical heat recovery ventilation; LED lighting; improved insulation and airtightness; and electric vehicle chargers.

The works aim to achieve a minimum Building Energy Rating (BER) of B, significantly lowering emissions and cutting energy costs — all while improving comfort for students and staff.

To support the upgrades, 24 of the 28 schools are also receiving essential electrical infrastructure improvements by ESB Networks to handle the new low-carbon heating systems.

Minister McEntee said: “The Department will continue to work closely with project teams, contractors, and school communities to ensure the works are completed smoothly and on schedule.”

List of 28 Schools Proceeding to Retrofit Stage

Kildare:
Killashee National School – 20087D
Allen NS – 17567A
Robertstown National School – 18430B
Scoil Naisiunta Bhride – 19797E
Kilberry National School – 13165G
SN Ide Naofa – 17650K

Meath:
Gilson National School (Oldcastle mixed) – 12488C
Coláiste Pobail Ráth Chairn – 71991T
Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh – 17088L
SN Naomh Pádraig (Slane) – 18040L
Scoil Naomh Bríde – 17947K

Offaly:
Geashill NS – 09191I
The Sacred Heart – 65620V
Mercy Primary – 03220F
Shinrone Mixed NS – 12343W
Scoil Bhríde – 13118U
St Cynoc’s – 20289P
Edenderry Boys National School (St Patrick’s) – 18364O

Wexford:
SN Naomh Seosaimh – 17554O
SN Mhuire (Danecastle NS) – 14254K
St Kevin’s NS (SN Chaomháin Torrchoill, Tarahill) – 17235V

Wicklow:
Scoil Nicolais Naofa – 17810G
Scoil Chonglais – 70750P
SN Muire is Gearard – 17223O
Bray School Project – 19754J
Kilcommon NS – 18033O
Carnew NS – 18242A
St Patrick’s National School – 15676S

These retrofits are part of a wider effort under the REPowerEU Programme—a fast-tracked initiative designed to meet EU funding timelines while making Ireland’s schools greener, warmer, and more efficient.