Michael Ring
Ceist:186 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider and sanction a full size gym facility at a secondary school (details supplied) in Belmullet, County Mayo. [23711/00]
Written Answers. - Physical Education Facilities.
My Department recently issued approval to the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers to commence architectural planning of an extension, which will include a physical education hall of 406 mf7>2 of floor area. When ancillary accommodation is taken into account, the size of the facility increases to in excess of 600 mf7>2.
The school in question has a long-term projected enrolment of less than 450 pupils and accordingly qualifies for a physical education hall of the size mentioned above. Schools with enrolments in excess of 450 students qualify for larger facilities reflecting the additional demands presenting within such schools.
The school in question is in close proximity to a further second level school. Ideally, where two or more second level schools operate in close proximity to each other, my Department would prefer that a single enlarged PE hall facility be provided to accommodate the needs of all such schools. In this way, an entire community can derive benefit from a significantly larger facility. The provision of such facilities requires agreement between all parties. Where the schools cannot reach such an agreement the standard size facilities, based on their enrolments, are provided.