Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has provided reference to guidelines for school fencing in its School Design Guidelines which are available on the Department's website.

I am including an extract from the guidance documents below in response to the Deputy's query. As can be seen, there is provision for flexibility in the design of the boundary fencing, relative to the specific circumstances of the school.

School Design Guide SDG 02-03, Post Primary School Design Guide

“Hard-play areas may also be designed to cater for occasional use as overflow car parking and should be located adjacent to the external vehicular circulation. A 2.5 m high paladin type plastic coated chain link fence around the courts for ball arrest, with lockable access gates should be provided.”

“The provision of other boundary fencing and walls does not form part of the External Works Allowance. Where for security reasons, boundary protection is required, the cost should be minimised, subject to the suitability of the boundary treatment for the location. If such boundary protection is still required, the nature, cost and scope of the works should be indicated at the earliest stage and a submission made to the Department justifying the additional cost of such works.”

Technical Guidance Document, TGD – 022, Primary School Design Guidelines

“A ball-court area is 585 m² (19.50 x 30.00) approximately. It includes a 1m run-off space around the playing area and shall be properly graded, drained and appropriately lined. Poles with hoops and backboards for basketball shall be supplied and fitted (as part of the contract). The courts shall be marked for basketball and a 2.4m high powder coated weld mesh fence around the courts, with lockable access gates should be provided.”

“The provision of other boundary fencing and walls do not form part of the External Works Allowance. Where for security reasons, boundary protection is required, the cost should be minimised, subject to the suitability of the boundary treatment for the location. If such boundary protection is still required, the nature, cost and scope of the works should be indicated at the earliest stage and a submission made to the Department justifying the additional cost of such works.”