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Six school building projects given go-ahead

Ceara School in Lurgan is among six to benefit from building work
Ceara School in Lurgan is among six to benefit from building work Ceara School in Lurgan is among six to benefit from building work

SIX schools are to benefit from a multi-million pound building scheme designed to provide much-needed accommodation upgrades.

Education minister John O'Dowd announced yesterday that the schools could proceed to construction as part of his School Enhancement Programme (SEP).

The SEP is designed to benefit those who need substantial work that falls short of a complete new build.

The reduced capital budget available to the Department of Education in the coming years means there can no longer be a presumption of a new build in every case where investment is needed.

Funding of between £500,000 and £4 million is available through the SEP for projects aimed at refurbishing or extending existing provision.

The six schools told their projects will now begin were included on a list released in March last year.

Ceara Special School in Lurgan will receive about £2.3m to pay for an extension as well as a permanent building to replace temporary accommodation.

Millington PS in Craigavon is to get a new 12 classroom extension. There will also be improvements to traffic management and the play area. The total cost will be about £3.9m.

Other schools to benefit are Dalriada Grammar in Ballymoney, Donard Special School in Banbridge, the Armstrong PS in Armagh and Rainey Endowed in Magherafelt.

"Ongoing investment in our schools estate is essential if we are to continue to provide a quality education. The SEP is an important way of providing this much needed work," Mr O'Dowd said.

"My department and the Executive more widely face enormous challenges as a result of the reductions imposed on us by the Westminster government. All aspects of the education sector have suffered including the capital budget. This meant that some of SEP projects were unfortunately unable to move to construction due to the constrained capital budget position.

"The improved and new accommodation at these schools will provide better facilities for young people to learn in and an improved working environment for all the school staff."