Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 21 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 5

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

165 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals he has to ensure that all schools built in the future are provided with proper playing fields in order to adequately cater for the sporting needs of students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17746/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that extensive provision is made to cater for the normal physical education requirements of schools at both primary and second level.

In the case of primary schools, the new planning guidelines in operation for all new building projects since January 2000 make provision for hard-play areas and ball-courts ranging in size from 785 square metres to in excess of 1,600 square metres, depending on the anticipated enrolment figures. I am satisfied that these facilities, in conjunction with the general purposes area which is included as part of the planning brief for all new primary schools and for existing schools undergoing major extensions, are more than adequate.

The general design brief for post primary schools specifies that where site area and configuration permits, an area should be reserved suitable for use as a practice playing field. Additionally, the design brief provides for hard-play areas, ranging in size from 1020mf7>2 to 3060mf7>2 in area, depending on the school's enrolment.

All new post primary schools and post primary schools for which an extension is being provided qualify for a PE hall. For schools with an enrolment below 450 students, the PE hall to be provided is 604mf7>2 while schools with an enrolment in excess of 450 students qualify for a PE hall of 806mf7>2.