Lack of sports facilities highlighted in Bailieborough

The need for improved sporting facilities at Bailieborough Community School was highlighted to Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne who visited the school recently.

Despite almost 700 students attending the school, the sports hall which is 4 kilometres away from the school has not been upgraded in 40 years and representatives from the school say it is unfit to cater for a changing PE curriculum and increased numbers.

The school's principal Martha Lievens also handed Minister Byrne a letter outlining the school’s needs within the confined space they have.

After his visit Minister Byrne spoke of the importance of physical education in schools.

He said “It is a great pleasure to visit Bailieborough Community School and to see, first-hand, the high levels of participation in sport and physical activity amongst the students. Changing habits and getting people more active is a challenge and in addressing this challenge, there is a clear need to start at an early age, including in educational settings.

As Minister for Sport and Physical Education, I am determined to support efforts aimed at keeping students active and providing them with lifelong skills and good healthy habits. "

Deputy Niamh Smyth who accompanied Minister Byrne paid tribute to the schools management's attitude towards their students well being.

She said “their dedication and commitment to each individual student is amazing and the requirement for better PE and Sport facilities is essential and definitely well-earned.

She also spoke of the need for good sports grounds, saying "improved facilities are crucial to engage and promote exercise, wellbeing and personal development within students.”