Frances Fitzgerald
Question:357 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education if there is any funding available to schools for the up-grading of school playgrounds. [3456/94]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Primary School Playgrounds.
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:358 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself with the standard of playgrounds in primary schools throughout the country; and the proposals, if any, she has for the upgrading of school playgrounds. [3457/94]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 358 together. On application by the Chairman of a national school's board of management, my Department considers and approves eligible grant-aid for new play-areas and ball-courts and the resurfacing of existing worn-out play-areas and ball-courts where warranted. The planning data for national schools specifies the extent and area to be provided for the individual school.
In the case of post primary schools provision is made for appropriate hard play areas where new schools or major extensions are being developed. In the case of existing schools the maintenance or upgrading of play areas is the responsibility of the board of management.
The demand for accommodation is such that available funding has to be directed towards the provision of urgently needed teaching spaces.
My Department has recently completed a survey in regard to the accommodation and other facilities in all national schools in the country. The data emerging from this survey when analysed will provide up-to-date information on the standard of play areas generally.