SCHOOLS are to benefit from a multi-million-pound scheme designed to provide much-needed building work.
A total of 16 schools, most of them primary, will share £40m released through the School Enhancement Programme (SEP).
The SEP is targeted at those who need substantial work that falls short of a new build.
A reduced capital budget available to the Department of Education means there can no longer be a presumption of a new building in every case where investment is needed.
Funding of between £500,000 and £4m is available through the SEP for smaller scale works including refurbishments or extensions.
Education minister Peter Weir told the assembly yesterday that it was unlikely any work would be able to begin in this financial year.
He said it could take up to four years for construction to start.
"The School Enhancement Programme has been very successful in delivering much needed capital investment in our schools estate," Mr Weir said.
"As of today, 74 schools across the estate – 43 primary schools, 19 post-primary schools and 12 special schools - are, or will, benefit from the second call to the scheme.
"Improving the schools estate is one of my priorities and in the current unprecedented and difficult times, I hope this announcement will send a strong signal to the local construction industry that the Department of Education is planning for the future and is committed to supporting the local economy through delivery of our capital programme."
To date, 58 projects are progressing in design under the second call to the SEP. This follows 50 schools which benefited from investment under the first SEP call.
"My department's capital programme aims to ensure that all our children and young people are educated in school facilities which are safe, secure and fit-for-purpose, enabling them to receive the quality education experience required to help them to fulfil their potential," Mr Weir added.
"This announcement represents another strand of the overall capital programme and indeed, marks the last announcement of the SEP2 projects. Over my term as education minister, I will review progress on the 74 announced projects and, subject to satisfactory progress and available budget, will consider if there should be a third call for applications to the programme, as part of the overall capital investment strategy."
Education committee chairman and Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle said the funding would give schools a welcome morale boost.
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THE schools that will benefit are:
Christian Brothers' PS, Armagh
Greenisland PS, Carrickfergus
Hart Memorial PS, Portadown
Kilbride Central PS, Doagh
Our Lady and St Patrick PS, Downpatrick
St Brigid's PS, Mayogall
St Comgall's PS, Antrim
St Patrick's PS, The Meadow, Newry
St Peter's PS, Moortown
Strandtown PS, Belfast
Ashfield Boys’ High School, Belfast
Belfast Royal Academy
Carrickfergus Grammar School
Clounagh Junior High School, Portadown
Hill Croft School, Newtownabbey
Clifton School, Bangor
