New nursery unit set to open at Drumadonnell Primary School

It has been a long time coming for the staff, parents and children of the school, who have been waiting 14 years for such good news.

The move has been welcomed by principal Keith Spiers, who has described it as a ‘welcome addition to our facilities.’

Material of archaeological significance was found during construction work of the main school 14 years ago and, because of this, progress on the building had been delayed to ensure that the site of the unit did not contain further material.

“However, no new material was identified by the archaeologist and construction work is now underway,” said Mr Spiers.

“As the enrolment of the school has increased steadily over the past number of years, the SELB identified a need for this provision resulting in the publication of a development proposal.

“This development proposal was approved by the Department of Education early last year and the new unit will be a most welcome addition to our facilities.”

Education Minister John O’Dowd said: “Ongoing investment in the schools estate is having a positive impact on pupils, teachers and school staff and provides a much needed boost to the construction industry.

“Some 187 minor works contracts totalling over £15.6m were awarded in the first quarter of this year with a further £1.5m awarded in contracts during the month of April.

“One of these contracts will see the provision of a new nursery unit at Drumadonnell Primary School.”

Work carried out under the minor works scheme ranges from minor repairs to more significant refurbishment projects and extensions.

The Minister said: “Over the past year I have announced that 40 new school building projects are to proceed, representing a potential investment of some £353m. These major projects obviously generate a significant amount of interest and have a positive impact not only on those individual school communities but also on the local economy.

“However, in addition to these more high profile projects, it is important to note that there continues to be investment in the schools estate on an ongoing basis.”

The Minister also recently announced a further £10m next year to help address the maintenance backlog in schools. This additional funding brings the overall level of maintenance funding in 2013-14 to £37m.

The Minister continued: “I am confident that the ongoing substantial investment in the minor works programmes will help in the drive to improve educational standards. It will also provide much needed support to the construction industry at what is a challenging time for local firms.”