Schools' Spending Program Unveiled

Eighteen schools across Northern Ireland will get new facilities as part of a £173m spending plan, the education minister has announced.

John O'Dowd announced the spend, the first for major projects since August 2010 when capital spending was frozen.

The minister admitted: "The need for investment far exceeds the funding available. While I would like to be in a position to fund everything that needs doing now, I must work within the budget available."

He said special schools were a priority as "no-one visiting them could remain unmoved by the needs of the children" there.

No integrated schools were on the list but Mr O'Dowd did not rule them out of future spending, saying a further list of projects will be unveiled in the autumn.

The schools that have won funding following what the minister called "a rigorous selection process" are St Clare's Convent & St Colman's Abbey Primary School, Newry, St Joseph’s Convent Primary School, Newry, Castle Tower Primary School, Ballymena, Dromore Central Primary School. Eglinton Primary School, Tannaghmore Primary School, Lurgan, Ebrington Controlled Primary School, Derry, St Teresa's Primary School, Lurgan, Victoria Park Primary School, Belfast, Enniskillen Model Primary School, Colaiste Feirste, Belfast, St Mary's Primary School, Banbridge, Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin, Belfast, Foyle College, Derry, Belmont House Special School, Derry, and Rossmar Special School, Limavady.

Mr O'Dowd also announced funding to push some extra projects through the planning system to be ready for when future money becomes available, and established a Schools Enhancement Programme with £20m available for school extensions or refurbishments.

(NE/GK)