The delayed Strule Shared Education Campus in Omagh is due to go £60million over its initial budget, the Minister for Education has confirmed.
Michelle McIlveen confirmed the overspend on Monday in response to an Assembly question on the matter, while also suggesting the project could be completed by 2025.
This comes despite the fact only one school of a proposed six in the Co Tyrone town has been completed.
The development involves the construction of new schools and a shared campus for Christian Brothers Grammar School, Loreto Grammar School, Omagh Academy Grammar School, Omagh High School and Sacred Heart College, in addition to the already built Arvalee School and Resource Centre.
When asking to outline the expected overspend, Ms McIlveen said the rising cost were due to an increase in the price of building supplies.
She added: “In overall terms the estimated cost has risen from £169million in 2016 to £228million in 2021.
“This increase is largely due to increases in building and sitework cost and the potential impact of construction price inflation in future years.
The Minister added more than £46million has already been spent on the project and that she hopes the project will be completed by 2025.
She said: “I understand that work will continue with regards to trying to move forward to tender, and I would still hope that construction can complete in 2025.
“It’s a positive news story for the area, while it is overdue I’m confident that we’re moving in the right direction.”
Sinn Fein MLA for West Tyrone Nicola Brogan told MyTyrone she was pleased the project continues to be a priority for the Minister but called for no further delays.
Ms Brogan said: "I'm pleased it's still a priority for the Department of Education as it's so essential for the young people of Omagh and for Omagh as a whole.
"We can't accept any more delays or the cost to increase any further and I will be pushing Michelle McIlveen to make sure that there are no further delays and the whole campus is developed."
