£35m Announced To Improve 12 Schools In NI

Over ten schools are to receive new or improved accommodation after a £35 million investment was given the go-ahead as part of the School Enhancement Programme (SEP).

Construction work is to begin on the following 12 school projects:

• Sullivan Upper School, Holywood

• Integrated College, Dungannon

• St Louis', Ballymena

• Broadbridge Primary School, Eglinton

• Erne Integrated College Phase 2, Enniskillen

• St Patrick's Academy, Lisburn

• Killean Primary School, Newry

• Mount Lourdes GS, Enniskillen

• John Paul II Primary School, Belfast

• Methodist College, Belfast

• Wallace High School, Lisburn

• Strandtown Primary School, Belfast

Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "Ongoing investment in our schools' estate is essential if we are to continue to provide a high quality education and today's announcement has been made possible by an increase in the DE capital budget of £46.9million or 32% in FY16/17.

"Thirty four SEP projects are already in construction or have been completed. Construction work for these 12 additional projects will proceed in the FY16/17 financial year. Of course, this level of investment also provides a significant boost for the local construction industry and in turn, the local economy."

(CD/LM)