Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Jul 1993

Vol. 433 No. 5

Written Answers. - County Kildare School Sports Facilities.

Seán Power

Question:

151 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the letter sent by her Department to Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, County Kildare, in 1986 outlining details of the sports facilities to be provided; and if funds will be made available to allow this development to proceed.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The provision of a physical education hall and ancillary facilities at this school was proposed in 1986. However, due to financial constraints the planning of this proposal did not proceed.

Due to demands on the capital resources available priority has been given for some time to the provision of essential teaching places. As a result, it is not possible to make funding available at this stage for the provision of physical education facilities at the school in question.

The provision of indoor sports accommodation in existing schools, in the form of a general purpose area at primary level and a hall at secondary level will resume as soon as pressure on available resources for urgent classroom accommodation has eased. In the meantime, additional emphasis is being placed on the adjacent siting and common use of school and community recreational facilities. Schools should make maximum use of other sports facilities in their area.