Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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287. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 966 of 26 April 2022, if there are requirements for existing as opposed to new-build schools to have space for physical education. [25650/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department’s Design Guidelines for all new schools provides for outdoor multi use games areas (hard play areas) and the level of play space provided varies with the size of school. The majority of existing schools have a general purpose room / Physical Education hall and practically all schools have outdoor play areas. In addition, many schools, use adjacent local facilities, including community halls, public parks, playing fields and swimming pools.

My Department provides general purpose and PE halls with the construction of all new primary and post primary schools respectively. The provision of outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts form part of the accommodation brief for all new school buildings. While there is no specific guidelines for existing as opposed to new school physical education facilities, equivalent facilities may also be provided where a major building or refurbishment project is being delivered for an existing school.

The main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics particularly at post-primary level and for special education needs provision in order to ensure every pupil has a school place each September. 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. The ancillary accommodation needs of primary schools, such as General Purpose rooms will also be considered.

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. The current status of approved projects under the school building programme is listed on a county by county basis on my Department's website at www.gov.ieand is regularly updated.