Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 7 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 6

Written Answers. - Physical Education Facilities.

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

113 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of community schools in the country without sportshall facilities; the names of these schools; and if it is his intention to provide these facilities to these schools. [10884/98]

Dinny McGinley

Ceist:

114 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the community and comprehensive schools currently being provided with sportshalls. [10885/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 together.

Physical education facilities encompass indoor PE halls, outdoor hard play areas such as basketball and tennis courts and playing fields. Virtually all schools have at least one element of these facilities.

It is the policy of my Department to provide PE halls as part of the schedule of accommodation for all new post primary schools, including community schools. PE halls are also provided when a major extension to a school which does not have such a facility is being built.

It is estimated that there are approximately 14 community schools which do not have a PE hall provided as part of the accommodation at the school. However, a number of these schools are located adjacent to community sports centres and have rental arrangements in place for the use of the facilities. The following community schools currently have PE halls in architectural planning, either as part of an extension-new school project or as a stand alone structure: Leixlip, Rathcoole, Killenarden, Palmerstown, Bayside, Clane, Moate, Celbridge, Lismore, Ferrybank. In addition to this PE halls are currently under construction in Kilrush and Hospital community schools.