Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2022
141. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education the progress to date in the provision of specific accommodation at second-level schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62453/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides PE halls with the construction of all new post primary schools. These facilities may also be provided where a major building or refurbishment project is being delivered for an existing school.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department continues to implement the capital programme under the National Development Plan. Investment and expenditure on PE halls is an element of the overall expenditure and investment in the School Building Programme. The main focus of resources over the last decade has been on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics, particularly at post-primary level and for special education needs provision.
However, under Project Ireland 2040 there will be an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock. This will include a PE Hall build and modernisation programme to ensure that students in all post-primary schools have access to appropriate facilities to support PE provision, as committed to in the Programme for Government.
The Deputy may also be aware of the very significant school building programme that is currently underway. Overall, there are in excess of 1,300 school building projects at various stages of design, planning, and construction. Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
My Department will continue to work to ensure that capital investment in our schools is targeted in the most efficient and effective way to support schools in meeting the education needs of their students and communities.
