A Co. Armagh high school is due to see a new building constructed in its grounds as part of a multi-million pound investment from the Department of Education.
St Joseph's High School in Crossmaglen will see the new construction project start this year as part of the £19.6 million investment.
Education minister Peter Weir attended a sod cutting ceremony to mark the new school build today.
Speaking at the event, the Minister said: “I welcome this £19.6m investment which represents a significant milestone for St Joseph’s High School. Once completed, this new school will provide much needed education benefits for pupils, staff, teachers, parents and for the wider community."
The construction project, first announced in 2014, will see the completion of a new school building, sports facilities, car parking, and bus set down areas.
The Minister continued: “Ongoing investment in our schools estate is essential if we are to continue to provide a high quality education for all our young people. As well as the investment in our schools estate, it also helps the local economy and secures construction jobs.
“Schools are very much the hub of any community and this major investment will create many positive outcomes."
Acknowledging the work of the school and its stakeholders in bringing the project to this stage the Minister concluded: “I would like to thank everyone involved in this project for their hard work and commitment in getting this project to this stage.
“I wish you every success as you embark on this new chapter for your school and I look forward to returning, in the not too distant future, to see the new school building standing on this site.”
