Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 6

Written Answers - Physical Education Facilities.

Ivor Callely

Question:

39 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, in relation to the proposed development of a school hall at St. Mary's Holy Faith secondary school, St. Brigid's Road, Killester Dublin 5; the criteria and timescale for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25783/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

An application for the provision of a PE hall at St Mary's Holy Faith, Killester was received in the planning and building unit of my Department in April 1998.

It is the policy of my Department to provide physical education halls as part of the schedule of accommodation for all new post-primary schools. A PE hall is also provided when a major extension to a school, which does not have such a facility is being built. In addition my Department has a programme for providing PE halls as stand-alone projects at post-primary schools which do not already have this facility and a number of such projects have proceeded to construction in the current year.

The question of providing a PE hall at St Mary's can only be considered in the context of capital available for post-primary building purposes and priority has to be given to the provision of essential classroom accommodation.

The question of providing grant aid for this project will be considered when architectural planning is completed and I can assure the Deputy that the application will receive every consideration at that time in the context of available resources and competing priorities.