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Local schools received a financial boost this week when Education Minister, John O’Dowd announced funding available for two new builds in Newry.
Eighteen schools across the north will receive new facilities as part of a £173m investment in the schools sector.
Saint Joseph's Primary School in Edward Street is to get 5.8 Million while the to be amalgamated St Colman's Abbey PS and Saint Clare's Convent PS will get 6 Million for a joint rebuild.
Speaking, after unveiling the list of new builds, Mr O’Dowd said: “Since taking on the role of Minister for Education I have visited schools in each and every sector of education provision. The common factor across the estate has been the clear need for considerable investment in infrastructure.
“The need for investment far exceeds the funding available. While I would like to be in a position to fund everything that needs doing now, I must work within the budget available. This means difficult decisions on future investment plans.
The complete list of projects to proceed are as follows:
Coláiste Feirste, Belfast - £11.9m
St Clare’s Convent & St Colman’s Abbey Primary School, Newry - £6m
St Joseph’s Convent Primary School, Newry - £5.8m
Dromore Central Primary School - £11.4m
Eglinton Primary School - £2.5m
Tannaghmore Primary School, Lurgan - £6m
Ebrington Controlled Primary School, Derry - £4.5m
Foyle College, Derry - £19.6m
St Teresa’s Primary School, Lurgan - £3m
Victoria Park Primary School, Belfast - £4.9m
Enniskillen Model Primary School - £5.7m
St Mary’s Primary School, Banbridge - £5.1m
Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin, Belfast - £2.5m
Belmont House Special School, Derry - £7.4m
Rossmar Special School, Limavady - £6.4m
Castletower, Ballymena - £21.8m
The Minister has also announced the establishment of a new Schools Enhancement Programme. This programme will make available funding of up to £4million for any individual project which is aimed at refurbishing or extending existing schools. Priority will be given to projects aimed at supporting amalgamation or rationalisation. Initially up to £20 million will be available for this programme in 2013-14 with the option of increasing this in 2014-15 depending on the number and quality of proposals.
In conclusion, the Minister said: “This is a pragmatic approach to ensuring that the capital funding available can be used most effectively. I want to stress that today’s announcement in no way implies that other projects will not be considered at a later stage.
“I realise that for every school announced as progressing at this time there are many more which need investment. The budget settlement the Executive was presented with has limited the funding I have available and has prevented me from progressing all the schemes I would have liked.
“For those schools not announced at this time, however, the new enhancement programme offers an opportunity to add to and improve existing facilities. This may prove a more accessible option.
“I have taken clear and decisive action to ensure that we effectively use the capital available in the next number of years and ensure we can maximise the benefits for children across the north.”
