A £31m capital contract has been signed for the provision of new and upgraded buildings for two schools.

The contract for the Lagan College and Tor Bank School project will provide an extended and refurbished school for Lagan College and new purpose-built accommodation for Tor Bank Special School, for a total of 1,360 pupils.

The contract also provides building maintenance and facilities management for the next 25 years.

The NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, attended the formal signing who commented: "I welcome this important step in signing the contract for these two schools to enable construction to commence shortly.

"Each school can now look forward to purpose-built accommodation with state-of-the art equipment opening in two years.

"The project opens a new chapter in the education of young people in Lagan College at Castlereagh, while in Dundonald, Tor Bank has an important role meeting the educational needs of some of our most vulnerable children. This £31m capital project is also more good news for the construction industry.

"I would also like to thank the school authorities, Board of Governors and staff of each school for the hard work they have put in to reaching this milestone. These new facilities will provide the pupils attending the two schools with a rewarding educational experience for many years to come," she said.

East Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long and local councillor Judith have also welcomed the announcement of the school buildings project.

Long commented: "This is very good news for both schools. Tor Bank has been operating from mobile classrooms for a significant period of time and improved facilities were simply vital. We hope that this news means that Tor Bank will soon have facilities and buildings to match the excellent work that is undertaken there."

Cochrane added: "This is a long overdue and very welcome announcement for Tor Bank. The school has endured particularly difficult conditions as regards their buildings for far too long, and I am very pleased at this news."

Underlining her continued emphasis on the offical change from 11-Plus-style selection, the Education Minister added: "I acknowledge and welcome the fact that most of Lagan College's new pupils are admitted on an all ability basis. However, around one third are selected on the basis of breakaway tests and that should end.

"Schools have a right to apply for public funding for modern educational facilities and were absolutely entitled to the allocated funding. As Education Minister I recognise and defend that right.

"But the right to draw down large amounts of public investment carries with it responsibilities, including the responsibility to play a full and willing part in meeting the needs of all children in this community, not just the academically gifted and able. I therefore call on Lagan College to abandon completely the use of selection tests and ensure equality of opportunity for all young people," she said.

(JG)