This section of the website deals with typical queries that users might have on how to navigate this website.

The links on the left-hand panel of the website will allow quick navigation around the various pages of information on the background of the website. Once the user enters the Application Form section they will be required to input their relevant data into the fields provided. Once completed the website will automatically submit this information to the Department of Education and Skills.

Some solutions to potential queries can be found below with further queries being answered in the documentation available on this website.

FAQ 1 - How do I know that the information has been recorded?

A message will appear on the declaration screen to confirm that the information has been properly recorded and that your application has been submitted for processing.

FAQ 2 - How do I know if my school has been checked for asbestos?

If you do not have evidence of an asbestos check then you must assume that none has been performed.

FAQ 3 - Do I need 3 contractor quotations?

Each application must contain 3 separate quotes from SEI registered contractors however schools should seek more than 3 quotes in the interest of obtaining value for money. These quotes will be separated into a cavity wall insulation quote and an attic insulation quote where both of these insulation upgrades are covered by the application.

FAQ 4 - Q. Can the schools use different insulation contractors for the attic and cavity wall insulation and if so how do we use the online application method in this case?

A. It is possible for the school to tender the works separately and appoint different contractors for the attic and cavity wall elements. In the interest of achieving value for money it is recommended that the school should seek quotes by both procurement routes and submit the best options to the Department for funding.

The on-line application system can still be used but a separate application must be made for the cavity wall and attic insulation aspects. When using this approach all contractors must be advised in advance of pricing that they may only be appointed for one element of the works only.

FAQ 5 - Can a hard copy application be made?

No, the application process is an on-line service only. This will expedite the delivery of the Scheme by issuing an automatic approval to proceed to tender.

FAQ 6 - Why is a consultant not needed to oversee the works?

The work is specific and straight forward like laying attic insulation and it should be completed within a couple of days. In the circumstances, a consultant is not needed to oversee them. However, a suitably qualified Engineer, Building Surveyor or Architect is required to certify that the works have been properly carried out. Final payment will not issue for the works unless this certificate is submitted to the Department.

FAQ 7 - Is the school required to contribute towards the costs/pay a local contribution?

No, the grants approved will be on the basis of 100% of actual cost.

FAQ 8 - Why does the school have to submit its fuel costs to the Department?

All Department Schemes must be evaluated and monitored to determine their level of effectiveness. The measures implemented under the scheme should, among other things, reduce energy bills for your building. Comparisons between current energy costs and those following the implementation of the works are the most effective means of measuring this.

FAQ 9 - Why must the school’s Display Energy Certificate be registered with the Department’s Energy website?

Ireland’s commitments under the Kyoto agreement and under a new European directive - the Energy Performance Building Directive (EPBD) - present a need to address national building standards and proof of the actions which it is taking in this regard. This creates the need for publishing energy rating certificates. These will also allow the Department to identify schools where action has been taken.

FAQ 10 - If questions arise for me when completing the application form or when preparing tender documents, who should I contact?

Sustainable Energy Ireland is obliging the Department by providing its support in implementing the early stages of the Scheme. Any queries up to and including the submission of applications via the online application system will be dealt by SEI on 1850 211713. The Department, as the funding agent, will be approving tenders and any queries relating to applications once submitted via the on line application system, should be addressed to the Department.

FAQ 11 - Must my school apply for either attic or wall insulation or can it apply for both?

Both attic and wall insulation can be applied for.

FAQ 12 - If my school has no attic, can it apply to insulate a flat roof?

To qualify for funding under this Scheme, a school building must have an attic. Therefore, works to flat roofs will not qualify for funding under the Scheme.

FAQ 13 - Will the Scheme cover other energy efficiency works such a new more efficient boiler?

The Scheme is confined to roof and wall insulation works. Boiler upgrades are appropriate for considering under the Summer Woks Scheme.

FAQ 14 - Is written guidance on technical issues available?

Yes. Schools should consult the Schools Energy Efficiency Scheme Contractors Code of Practice and Standards and Specifications Guidelines available on the Documentation page of this website.

FAQ 15 - Is a consultant architect / engineer / chartered building surveyor required?

The school authority can tender the project themselves and manage the process by obtaining a minimum of three quotations based on the insulation performance specification referred to above. The school authority must engage for the purpose of a sign off and compliance report a suitably qualified consultant architect , engineer or chartered building surveyor [a member of Royal Institute of Architects (RIAI), Institute of Engineers of Ireland (IEI)/Association of Consulting Engineers Ireland (ACEI), Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCS) or equivalent or a person entitled to such membership] . The school authority must also satisfy itself that the consultant architect/engineer/chartered building surveyor will be able to provide satisfactory evidence of tax clearance and adequate professional indemnity insurance cover in advance of engagement. The school authority should ensure that the fee is agreed with the architect/engineer /chartered building surveyor before the Consultant is appointed and that it covers ALL necessary professional and technical services and all expenses. The Department will grant aid the cost of a single visit to complete the compliance report at €200.00 plus VAT all inclusive. If, due to incompleteness or poor quality of work, a second visit is required then this must be borne by the contractor and deducted by the school from the final contract payment to the contractor.

FAQ 16 - Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with statutory regulations?

The school authority is the client for the project and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all statutory regulations.

FAQ 17 - Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with Health and Safety Regulations?

The school authority, as client, is responsible for the implementation of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001 and subsequent H+S legislation 2006.

FAQ 18 - What should be done if the school is known to contain asbestos?

If your school has not already been surveyed for the presence of asbestos or you are unsure whether or not it has been surveyed, the school should contact the Health and Safety Unit, Office of Public Works, 51 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 – Tel. 01 6476198. In this context, please refer to circular letter 37/99 issued by the Building Unit in December, 1999 and available on the Department’s website under School Buildings / Technical Guidance.

FAQ 19 - How are tenders to be sought for this proposed building project?

Tenders must be sought on a fixed price basis, contractors must use the Contractor Form of Tender Document EES 06 to return tenders to the school, the school must in turn then report the three lowest tenders to the Department using the online application system and in the required format as noted in the grant application guidance document EES 03.

FAQ 20 - What criteria must the successful contractor fulfil?

Refer to the Schools Energy Efficiency Scheme Contractors Code of Practice And Standards and Specifications Guidelines.

FAQ 21 - Logo on site

Projects must display an acknowledgement sign that they are being funded by the National Development Plan (NDP). Guidance on this matter is available on www.ndp.ie.

FAQ 22 - Reminder of penalty for non compliance with terms of scheme

The Department and Sustainable Energy Ireland reserve the right to withhold payment of the grant to schools for non-compliance with any terms of the scheme.

FAQ 23 - What other guidance is available to the Board?

Guidance on technical issues is available on Departments website http://www.education.gov.ie

FAQ 24 - Is Blown Attic Insulation allowed under this scheme?

All attic insulation should be quilted type insulation, blown insulation of any type is not permitted nor will not be funded by the scheme

FAQ 25 - If insulation already exists in the attic may this be added to?

Where insulation already exists in the attic this may be added to, if the existing insulation is not fitted correctly between the roof joists then the contractor must allow for refitting this properly before applying additional new insulation on top. Responsibility for the complete insulation system will rest with the contractor. Finished attics should contain an overall minimum depth of 300 mm of insulation.

FAQ 26 - Are there any special requirements for escape corridors and areas of special fire risk with respect to attic insulation?

Contractors must ensure that their works maintain any fire barriers and compartmentation that exists including over corridor areas and over areas of special fire risk such as kitchens etc.

FAQ 27 - As a principal getting quotations what should I expect when an insulation contractor comes to visit the school to establish the extent of the works and their price for the works?

A. When an insulation contractor form the approved SEI HES list agrees to submit a price they will need to visit the school at a time that suits the school, they should then be allowed under supervision to complete the following:

For External wall Cavity Insulation

They must conduct a boroscope survey of the external cavity walls to establish the depth of the cavity, the existence of any existing insulation and the suitability of the cavity for insulating, they will also need measure up the external wall area to establish the quantity of work to be done.

For Attic Insulation

They must inspect the attic to establish the existing insulation situation, advise the depth and appropriateness of same and also establish if any walkways will be required in the attic once the new insulation is fitted (as per the requirements of document EES 002). They will also need measure up the attic area to establish the quantity of insulation required. (This can be done using the footprint of the building) If a contractor fails to do any of the above then the are not really in a position to submit a proper price and should be advised accordingly.  

FAQ 28 - Q. Once the school has tendered the works and are satisfied that the returned tenders are valid and include all the required aspects, must the school appoint the lowest contractor?

A. After the grant assistance has been approved, the contract must be offered to the lowest valid tender.