Green TD Steven Matthews has received confirmation that the Government is accelerating the roll-out of a scheme to provide free solar panels to schools, after raising the issue in the Dáil with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. The scheme will allocate funding for schools to install up to 6KW of solar panels and will be announced shortly by Ministers Eamon Ryan and Norma Foley following the completion of a nationwide assessment of demand. Welcoming this update, Deputy Matthews said:
“I am delighted that schools will soon get clarity on how the rollout of free solar panels will operate. This is a very practical measure that the Green Party introduced in Budget 2023 to assist schools with rising energy costs. I am very keen to see this initiative rolled out as soon as possible. I have been assured that the announcement will make it clear to all schools how to apply, the timelines for completion of any works and how the funding will be allocated.
“Schools are at the centre of our communities, and it makes absolute sense that schools will be at the forefront of Ireland's solar rollout. The transition to renewable energy sources will allow schools to reduce their energy bills and take action on climate change.
“In recent months, I have had the opportunity to visit many schools across Wicklow and one of the main things that is raised we me is the need to speed up the rollout of solar panels for schools.
“I will engage closely with Ministers Eamon Ryan and Normal Foley to ensure that as many Wicklow schools as possible are prioritised for funding but ultimately all schools in Wicklow will see this work carried out in the coming years.
“The rapid installation of solar panels on schools and other buildings is crucial to achieving our climate objectives in the energy sector, if any school principals have any questions on the rollout or any other matter, I would encourage them to get in touch with me”, Deputy Matthews concluded.
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