12/10/2012
Education Mininter Turns Down Development Proposal
Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has turned down a development proposal to increase capacity at Drumragh Integrated College in Omagh
Commenting on the decision, Mr O’Dowd said: "This proposal raised a number of complex issues in the wider Omagh area which demanded careful consideration. A range of factors need to be taken into account to ensure that the pattern of provision reflects future need and provides a network of strong, viable and sustainable schools. The area planning process that is currently under way seeks to do this.
"It is vital that the needs and aspirations of all young people and their parents are taken into account and that each area provides a balanced choice, suited to local demand. Alongside this consideration, I must acknowledge when there is already surplus capacity, as there is in the Omagh locality.
"While Drumragh Integrated College is undoubtedly a popular and oversubscribed school, an increase in the approved enrolment of almost 30% would clearly have a significant impact on other provision in the area."
The Minister added: "It is also important to note that Drumragh Integrated College has, as recently as 2009, benefitted from significant capital investment from the Department amounting to £22.5 million to provide the school’s current accommodation on a new site. The current school site cannot accommodate expansion and I cannot justify an approval for growth that would inevitably require even further investment and potentially another move to another new site."
(CD)
Commenting on the decision, Mr O’Dowd said: "This proposal raised a number of complex issues in the wider Omagh area which demanded careful consideration. A range of factors need to be taken into account to ensure that the pattern of provision reflects future need and provides a network of strong, viable and sustainable schools. The area planning process that is currently under way seeks to do this.
"It is vital that the needs and aspirations of all young people and their parents are taken into account and that each area provides a balanced choice, suited to local demand. Alongside this consideration, I must acknowledge when there is already surplus capacity, as there is in the Omagh locality.
"While Drumragh Integrated College is undoubtedly a popular and oversubscribed school, an increase in the approved enrolment of almost 30% would clearly have a significant impact on other provision in the area."
The Minister added: "It is also important to note that Drumragh Integrated College has, as recently as 2009, benefitted from significant capital investment from the Department amounting to £22.5 million to provide the school’s current accommodation on a new site. The current school site cannot accommodate expansion and I cannot justify an approval for growth that would inevitably require even further investment and potentially another move to another new site."
(CD)
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