School Playgrounds

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2019

Wednesday, 15 May 2019

Questions (100)

Dara Calleary

Question:

100. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports available to a school planning to refurbish outdoor play areas on the school grounds to incorporate play equipment in the interests of promoting physical activity within the school community. [20948/19]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is designed to allow schools, on a devolved funding basis, to carry out necessary improvement and refurbishment works that will upgrade existing school facilities including the upgrading of outdoor play areas. The SWS is currently open for applications and will remain open until 30th June 2019.

As Primary School Authorities now have more certainty on when they will receive their minor works they may use their discretion in relation to the use of this grant which, depending on other priorities in the school, may include purchase of playground equipment.