Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 4

Written Answers. - Physical Education Facilities.

Liz McManus

Question:

157 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that funding for a physical education hall is provided for Arklow community college, County Wicklow, in view of the fact that this is the only second level school in the county without a hall; if he will ensure that the application made by the County Wicklow VEC for increased accommodation and improved facilities for five of its schools is considered favourably; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2875/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

An application has been received from County Wicklow Vocational Education Committee for the provision of a PE Hall at Arklow Community College.

The question of providing a PE hall at this school can be considered only in the context of the capital available for post-primary building purposes generally. Because of the huge demand for accommodation in schools throughout the country, I am not in a position at this stage to state when a PE hall will be provided in this particular case.

However, I can assure the Deputy that this application will continue to be reviewed in light of available resources and competing priorities.

County Wicklow Vocational Education Committee has made application for grant assistance towards the provision of increased accommodation and improvements to a number of schools, and these applications are currently being processed. My Department is in regular contact with the VEC regarding the individual applications.