Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2022
81. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education if a response will issue to correspondence that she has received from an organisation (details supplied); and if she will ensure that additional land is sourced for adequate outdoor green field sports amenities for the 1,000 students that are projected to attend the new three school campus for the town that incorporates the college. [50407/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA response to the correspondence referred to, which was received in my Department last week will issue shortly.
The Deputy will be aware that building projects for the three schools in question are included in my Department's School Building Programme to be delivered as part of the National Development Plan.
Significant PE facilities for the schools concerned are being constructed as part of this campus development. At post-primary level, these include:
- PE Hall, which includes Fitness Suite, Changing Suites, Showers and Equipment Stores (1,048m²)
- 5 Hard Play Courts (3,060m²)
- 4 Secure Soft Play Areas (200m² in total)
In addition to this, the schedule of accommodation for the primary school includes the following sporting facilities:
- General Purpose Hall (195m² plus associated areas)
- Ballcourts (585m²)
- Junior Play Area (200m ²)
- 2 Secure Soft Play Areas (100m ²in total)
- Sensory Garden (100m ²)
The above facilities are consistent with that outlined in my Department's design guidelines for new schools.
Furthermore, where the site area and building configuration permits, an area should be reserved suitable for use as a practice playing field.
My Department has no plans to acquire additional land for the school development.
