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Shauna Corr

Northern Ireland schools in line for £45million boost

Northern Ireland's new Education Minister has announced a £45million boost for 18 schools on his second day in the job.

Peter Weir said the School Enhancement Programme funding will "deliver much needed capital investment in the schools estate".

Twelve primary schools, five secondaries and a special school are the latest to benefit from the programme, which is for capital schemes costing between £500,000 and £4,000,000.

Education Minister Peter Weir made the announcement in the Assembly and said: "This is a significant investment which will deliver much needed capital investment in the schools estate.

"More importantly, this is an investment in the future of our young people and will enhance the quality of their learning experience, leading to better educational opportunities and outcomes.

"Improving the schools estate is a priority for me and the SEP scheme is an excellent way of delivering capital work projects which have an immediate positive impact on the schools, staff and pupils and, indeed, local communities."

A total of 50 schools were given funding in the first SEP call, with an additional 25 schools told they could advance their plans planning under SEP2 on May 8, 2018 and an additional 16 schools on January 21, 2019.

The additional 18 schools with bring the total number to benefit from the programme to 109.

The list of new schools to benefit this time are:

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Botanic PS, Belfast

Carrick PS, Lurgan

Cliftonville Controlled Integrated PS, Belfast

Glencraig Controlled Integrated PS

Holy Child PS, Derry

Irvinestown PS

Kilcooley PS, Bangor

Killinchy PS

St John the Baptist PS, Belfast

St Kieran’s PS, Dunmurry

St Paul’s PS, Mica Drive, Belfast

Strabane PS

POST-PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Glastry College, Ballyhalbert

St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena

St Patrick’s College, Maghera

Sullivan Upper School, Holywood

Victoria College, Belfast

SPECIAL SCHOOLS

Riverside School, Antrim

Design work will begin immediately with construction work expected to start at the schools listed in 2022/23.

Mr Weir added: "Today’s announcement is not only good news for pupils and schools but it will also represent a welcome boost to the economy, especially the construction industry.

"In addition to this SEP announcement, I intend to continue to advance the programme of major capital builds as well as a programme of much needed minor works across the estate. I will also look to invest in maintenance works across all schools."

SDLP South Belfast councillor Gary McKeown has welcomed the inclusion of Botanic Primary School.

The Botanic Councillor said: "I am delighted to hear that Botanic primary school is included in this programme, as one of approximately 18 schools to benefit from a total investment of £45million.

"SDLP colleagues have been advocating 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 years.

"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."

Design work will begin immediately with construction work expected to start in 2022/23.

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