Write a commentEducation Minister Peter Weir has attended a sod cutting ceremony to mark a new school build for St Joseph’s High School in Crossmaglen. The project represents an investment of £19.6 million by the Department of Education.
Welcoming the new build the Minister said: “I welcome this £19.6m investment which represents a significant milestone for St Joseph’s High School. Once completed this new school will provide much needed education benefits for pupils, staff, teachers, parents and for the wider community."
The construction project will see the completion of a new school building, sports facilities, car parking, and bus set down areas.
The Minister continued: “Ongoing investment in our schools estate is essential if we are to continue to provide a high quality education for all our young people. As well as the investment in our schools estate it also helps the local economy and secures construction jobs.
“Schools are very much the hub of any community and this major investment will create many positive outcomes.
Acknowledging the work of the school and its stakeholders in bringing the project to this stage the Minister concluded: “I would like to thank everyone involved in this project for their hard work and commitment in getting this project to this stage.
“I wish you every success as you embark on this new chapter for your school and I look forward to returning, in the not too distant future, to see the new school building standing on this site.”
A Great Day for Crossmaglen
Newry and Armagh MLA, Justin McNulty also welcomed the official commencement of works “This is a great day for Crossmaglen and the wider community of South Armagh. This project was first announced in 2014 and at long last the works have commenced. It is a long time since 2004 when the then Principal and Board of Governors first called for a new school” said Mr McNulty.
The MLA continued “I welcome this £19.6m investment which represents a significant milestone for St Joseph’s High School. Once the school is completed, it will provide a deservedly increased educational experience for pupils and will also have wider benefits for teachers, parents and for the whole community."
"Major credit must go to the Principal Maria Millar and to her predecessors who have so passionately and tirelessly pursued a new school for so many years together with their fiercely determined Board of Governors. It was fitting that at today’s event Ms Millar gave a special mention to Geraldine Donnelly RIP who fought so hard over so many years to help bring this day.”
“Aside from the positive benefits for education, this will provide a boost for the local economy of South Armagh and the construction industry, which has struggled throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Investment in school infrastructure is critical to the future of the education system and I intend to make the case to Minister Weir for the many deserving schools across Newry and Armagh.”
“Above all, it’s a very happy day for the young people of Crossmaglen and South Armagh. I congratulate every person who played their part in bringing this important day to fruition.”
* Local Councillor Aoife Finnegan, a past pupil of the school said “What a journey it has been for St Joseph’s High school in Crossmaglen as the vision of a new school becomes a reality. I had the honour and privilege of attending the cutting of the sod at the school today.
"I am a past pupil of the school and my son sets to start his 1st year here also. The new building will be great boost for the entire area especially in these challenging times.
"The project has been a key priority for my colleagues Conor Murphy MLA, Mickey Brady MP, former MLA Megan Fearon and recently retired local councillor Terry Hearty, all who have for many years passionately pursued the project.
"A huge well done to all those who worked tirelessly ensuring the new build would happen the very best for the future”.
*Addition - 21/8/20 7pm
