Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
503. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department provides funding or programme supports to schools that utilise external sports facilities; the alternative arrangements available where access to such facilities changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14337/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvestment and expenditure on sports facilities in both primary and post-primary schools is an element of the overall expenditure and investment in the School Building Programme with the majority of the circa 300 school building projects currently in construction expected to be completed in 2026. Practically all schools have outdoor play areas and many schools use adjacent local community facilities. The provision of outdoor play areas form part of the accommodation brief for all new school buildings or where a major building or refurbishment project is being delivered for an existing school. The provision of capital funding for outdoor recreation facilities is just one way in which we support increased physical activity. The redeveloped primary curriculum specification for physical education extends the time available for PE with a particular emphasis on community partnerships and the use of the outdoor environment generally.
My department does not have a specific funding scheme or programme for schools that utilise external sports facilities. However, co-operation between schools and local sporting organisations in sharing their sporting facilities provides opportunities to apply for sports grants including the Sports Capital Grant administered by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
The Deputy will be aware that I have recently published the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030. Of the total €7.55 billion investment it is envisaged that circa. €5 billion will be used for project rollout to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings. This project rollout will continue on a prioritised basis to meet the most urgent needs in terms of provision of additional capacity and modernisation of existing facilities. The NDP Investment Plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs. Funding will also be invested to support curricular delivery and well-being across schools by prioritising the development of Physical Education halls and sporting facilities (including yards and play areas) for schools in conjunction with the Sports Capital Fund to deliver for both schools and communities.
My department's new Climate Action Summer Works Scheme provides a mechanism for school authorities to make small-scale improvements to school buildings and also schools' external areas such as outdoor play spaces. Schools can also use their minor works grant to upgrade outdoor play areas while repairs to existing areas may be considered under the department’s Emergency Works Scheme.
