Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

199. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 18 May 2017, the steps which will be taken to ensure adequate playing pitches and space for a secondary school built on the Harold's Cross greyhound stadium site, in view of the fact that there are no such facilities in the local area. [25800/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that my Department has made an offer to the Irish Greyhound Board in respect of the Harold's Cross Greyhound Stadium.  Subject to satisfactory completion of the acquisition, the development of the school accommodation brief would commence thereafter. The exact configuration of the school requirements has not been finalised at this point.

My Department's design guidelines for schools include guidance in the provision of P.E. Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts. In general, other P.E. facilities, for example pitches can be provided, where appropriate and in the context of available resources as part of the Department's school building programme.

It is recognised that school infrastructure is a key part of the social and community facilities available in an area. In general, my Department works in partnership with the local authorities to plan for sustainable school and community development.