Education Minister Paul Givan has marked the official start of construction on a new school building for Mary Queen of Peace Primary School in Glenravel.

The major development represents an investment of more than £10 million. Once complete, it will provide nine new classrooms and successfully bring the school together onto a single campus, ending its previous split-site operations.

Construction work began on the site in March 2026, with the project scheduled to reach completion in July 2027.

Speaking at a special event hosted at the new site, Education Minister Paul Givan said: "Today marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Mary Queen of Peace Primary School and the wider community of Glenravel. "Providing inspiring environments for teaching and learning is a key factor in supporting our children to thrive. This investment will deliver lasting benefits for years to come, ensuring Mary Queen of Peace can deliver high quality education for generations to come.

"Schools are so much more than just the building that houses them, they are the people who teach, lead and work within them and the parents and wider communities that support them, often going above and beyond.

"I commend the school and all those involved for their hard work in reaching this milestone and I wish them every success as the vision for the new school becomes a reality."

Principal Malachy Conlon added: "Today is a momentous occasion in the history at Mary Queen of Peace Primary School. Our new school is the result of years of hard work, planning and teamwork. I pay tribute to everyone involved. Our new school is an investment in the future of our pupils and the whole school community."