Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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455. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a request has been made by the LMETB for resources to develop playing pitches at a school (details supplied); when this work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16391/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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My Department has received an application from LMETB for funding to develop playing pitches at the school referred to by the Deputy.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department has already provided significant P.E. facilities at the education campus in question for the benefit of the primary and post-primary schools on the campus. This includes two general purpose rooms, three external ball courts and two Junior Play areas for the primary school. In addition, a P.E. hall and six external hard play areas were provided at the post-primary school.

I understand that the LMETB has also developed a one acre pitch on the campus.

The application from LMETB must be considered in the context of my Department's current priority which is the provision of essential classroom accommodation in areas where significant demographic need has been established to ensure that each child will have access to a physical school place. In the circumstances, my Department is not in a position, at this point, to provide funding for the purpose for which it was sought.