The specific information requested by the Deputy relating to outdoor spaces in primary schools is not available in my Department.
My Department’s Design Guidelines for all new schools provides for outdoor multi use games areas (hard play areas) and the level of play space provided varies with the size of school. For example, a new 24 classroom primary school with special education needs classes is provided with 3 ball courts (1,755m² in total), 2 junior play areas (600m² in total), as well as secure hard and soft play area (300m²) and a 100m² sensory garden. In respect of new post-primary schools, a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school will be provided with 6 ball courts (3,060m² in total) and a 200m² secure hard and soft special education play area.
A suite of technical guidance documents is available on www.gov.ie to assist design teams in best practice design and development of school building projects
Details of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly.
In general, the priority use of school property will be for educational purposes, however, it is Department policy to support the use of school facilities for wider community usage where possible. Accordingly, a set of guidelines ('Guidelines on the use of School Buildings outside of School Hours') in relation to the use of school buildings outside of school hours was published by my Department in October 2017. These guidelines can be viewed on the Department's website at www.education.ie/en/Publications/Policy-Reports/guidelines-on-the-use-of-school-buildings-outside-of-school-hours.pdf. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide guidance for schools in relation to the use of school buildings outside of school hours. These guidelines are presently being updated, following consultations with school stakeholders - however, the 2017 documents remain valid.
