Criticism As School Building Plan Dropped

A delay in implementing plans for a new building at an Irish medium school in Twinbrook has come in for criticism.

SDLP Deputy Mayor of Lisburn Cllr Brian Heading has criticised Sinn Féin Education Minister Caitriona Ruane for shelving it.

He said: "This is devastating news for the parents of children attending the school, staff and pupils at Scoil na Fuiseoige who will have to continue make do with their dilapidated building despite assurances from the Sinn Féin Education Minister that funds would be provided for them to build a new school.

"Sinn Féin harp on about equality. But there is nothing fair or equal about children from a disadvantaged area having to put up with being taught in an old rotting building with a faulty roof and split floors despite being promised a replacement building thirteen years ago."

Mr Heading continued: "The Sinn Féin Minister should be ashamed of herself over her inaction to make Scoil na Fuiseoige a priority in the allocation of funding through her new build schools capital spend.

"She has pulled the plug on this project after the governors, teachers, parents and education providers have persevered for over a decade going through reviews, economic appraisals and making a strong dignified case for a new building to benefit future generations of children in Twinbrook.

"But they have been left abandoned and rejected. The Sinn Féin Education Minister should hang her head in shame."

(NS/BMcC)