Co Armagh schools part of £156m capital investment programme

Education Minister Peter Weir has announced nine schools to advance in design under the Major Capital Works Programme.

Three primary schools, including St Mary’s PS in Derrymore and six post-primary schools will benefit from an estimated capital investment of £156m.

Mr Weir said: “Improving the schools’ estate is one of my priorities and in the current unprecedented and difficult times, I hope this latest announcement regarding major capital investment will send a strong signal to the local construction industry and local communities that the Department of Education is planning for the future and is committed to supporting the local economy and the wider community through the delivery of our capital programme.

“My Department’s capital programme aims to ensure that all our 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.

“This announcement represents another strand of the overall capital programme and follows my announcement in May of funding of a further sixteen projects under the School Enhancement Programme.”

SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly welcomed the inclusion of St Mary’s Primary School, in Craigavon, in the major works project.

The Upper Bann MLA and former pupil and parent of the school said: “I am delighted to hear that St Mary’s P.S in my own parish is included in the Capital Build Programme.

“This will be a double cause of celebration for the school as the school commences its 50th anniversary.

“Along with SDLP colleagues across the North, I have been advocating for some time to ensure this scheme commences urgently and pupils, teachers and parents reap the benefits. I want to applaud the tireless advocacy of the staff and parents who worked very hard to make this a reality.

“It is essential that our children are able to study in a comfortable and appropriate environment. The knock on effect of these refurbishment works represents a much-needed win for the construction industry. These works will provide a vital stream of work for the industry, which has come through a challenging time in recent months, as a result of COVID-19.”

Ms Kelly added: “It is vitally important that there are no delays in getting these improvement projects started so that teachers and pupils can experience a better educational environment.”

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