My Department has not carried out a recent audit of physical education facilities at primary schools. However, arrangements are being made to conduct a major survey of accommodation at primary and post-primary level and this will establish the position relating to the extent and condition of all accommodation, including physical education facilities. The specifications for the inventory are being drafted at present and it is anticipated that tenders will be sought within the next few months.
In the case of primary schools, the new planning guidelines in operation for all new building projects since January 2000 make provision for general purposes areas ranging from 91 square metres to 200 square metres, depending on the size of the school. Where an application is made for major capital improvement works by the management authorities of an existing school, it is the policy of my Department to assess the overall future accommodation needs of the school. Where site conditions permit, a general purposes area is included in the planning brief, even when this may not have been the subject of the initial application.
Provision is also made in the guidelines for hardplay areas and ballcourts ranging in size from 785 square metres to in excess of 1,600 square metres, depending on the anticipated enrolment figures.