Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 October 2020
96. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Education when targeted specific funding for the provision of communal and sports areas within schools will be forthcoming in view of the immense importance of the appropriate facilities for physical activities to enhance the general health and mental well-being of our children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30112/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the provision of PE Halls and General Purpose Rooms form part of the accommodation brief for all newly established schools. These facilities may also form part of the overall accommodation brief for major capital extensions to existing schools. Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website, www.education.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. The second half of the NDP (from 2023 onwards) will see an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock to include the building and modernisation of PE facilities.
The immediate priority of my Department is providing new and replacement school places each year, to ensure that every child has a school place.
