15/03/2010
'Half Billion' Boosts NI Schools Projects
Over £500 million has been invested in major infrastructure work in schools across Northern Ireland.
NI Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane, (pictured) said: "Since the return of the devolved institutions in May 2007, over half a billion pounds have been invested in new schools.
"In reality that means 55 major capital school projects have been completed or are underway.
"That is a significant investment in the future of our children and young people.
"Schools like Ashfield Girls’ High School, Belfast, Belfast Model School for Boys and Belfast Model School for Girls, Drumragh Integrated College, Omagh, Holy Cross College, Strabane, Brookefield Special School, Moira, St. Mary’s College and St. Cecilia’s College, Derry and St. Patrick's Primary School, Saul, have been part of a major upgrade of our schools’ estate.
"Their pupils and teachers will benefit from new surroundings, fit-for-purpose buildings and a sense of reinvigoration and investment in our schools."
The Minister continued: "Our schools must be sustainable and be able to provide the best education possible for our young people. In these tight economic times, we must be smarter and more strategic when planning our schools’ estate. We need to look at the overall needs of the area and use all of our resources to maximise the benefits for the entire community.
"I have a wide range of reforms to change the face of our education system, to put equality at the heart and raise standards in every area. It is important that the leaders and teachers in our schools are given the best possible conditions in which to deliver these reforms.
"Also included in the projects currently underway are the exciting plans for a shared educational campus at Lisanelly in Omagh.
"Lisanelly and the shared education campus is a major prize for the community of Omagh and the surrounding areas and will have a positive impact on every aspect of life making a real difference in terms of economic, social and sporting regeneration," she added.
(NS/BMcC)
NI Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane, (pictured) said: "Since the return of the devolved institutions in May 2007, over half a billion pounds have been invested in new schools.
"In reality that means 55 major capital school projects have been completed or are underway.
"That is a significant investment in the future of our children and young people.
"Schools like Ashfield Girls’ High School, Belfast, Belfast Model School for Boys and Belfast Model School for Girls, Drumragh Integrated College, Omagh, Holy Cross College, Strabane, Brookefield Special School, Moira, St. Mary’s College and St. Cecilia’s College, Derry and St. Patrick's Primary School, Saul, have been part of a major upgrade of our schools’ estate.
"Their pupils and teachers will benefit from new surroundings, fit-for-purpose buildings and a sense of reinvigoration and investment in our schools."
The Minister continued: "Our schools must be sustainable and be able to provide the best education possible for our young people. In these tight economic times, we must be smarter and more strategic when planning our schools’ estate. We need to look at the overall needs of the area and use all of our resources to maximise the benefits for the entire community.
"I have a wide range of reforms to change the face of our education system, to put equality at the heart and raise standards in every area. It is important that the leaders and teachers in our schools are given the best possible conditions in which to deliver these reforms.
"Also included in the projects currently underway are the exciting plans for a shared educational campus at Lisanelly in Omagh.
"Lisanelly and the shared education campus is a major prize for the community of Omagh and the surrounding areas and will have a positive impact on every aspect of life making a real difference in terms of economic, social and sporting regeneration," she added.
(NS/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 October 2014
£10m Invested In NI Schools
Over £10m has been invested in Northern Ireland schools under the Department of Education's minor works scheme between July and September this year. A total of 131 minor works projects were agreed across all board areas.
£10m Invested In NI Schools
Over £10m has been invested in Northern Ireland schools under the Department of Education's minor works scheme between July and September this year. A total of 131 minor works projects were agreed across all board areas.
22 January 2014
£48m Invested In NI Schools
Over £48m was invested in the schools estate under the minor works scheme in 2013. Throughout the year, the funding was allocated to minor works contracts across Northern Ireland, with £6m being invested in 62 contracts in December alone.
£48m Invested In NI Schools
Over £48m was invested in the schools estate under the minor works scheme in 2013. Throughout the year, the funding was allocated to minor works contracts across Northern Ireland, with £6m being invested in 62 contracts in December alone.
23 September 2015
Six Schools Secure Funding For Enhancement Projects
A total of £14 million has been secured to start construction on a further six schools in Northern Ireland. Education Minister John O'Dowd made the announcement as part of the School Enhancement Programme. Mr O'Dowd said: "Ongoing investment in our schools estate is essential if we are to continue to provide a quality education environment.
Six Schools Secure Funding For Enhancement Projects
A total of £14 million has been secured to start construction on a further six schools in Northern Ireland. Education Minister John O'Dowd made the announcement as part of the School Enhancement Programme. Mr O'Dowd said: "Ongoing investment in our schools estate is essential if we are to continue to provide a quality education environment.
17 February 2015
Further Six Projects In Shared Education Programme
A further six projects involving over 20 schools have signed up to the second call in the Shared Education Campuses Programme. The Shared Education Campuses Programme was launched in January 2014 by Minister for Education John O'Dowd. Under the Programme the Department is aiming to invest in projects involving the need for new shared facilities.
Further Six Projects In Shared Education Programme
A further six projects involving over 20 schools have signed up to the second call in the Shared Education Campuses Programme. The Shared Education Campuses Programme was launched in January 2014 by Minister for Education John O'Dowd. Under the Programme the Department is aiming to invest in projects involving the need for new shared facilities.
14 March 2006
First NI schools to receive specialist status
Northern Ireland's Education Minister, Angela Smith, has today announced that 12 of the province's schools are to receive specialist status by the end of 2006. It is understood that from September this year, the schools will become centres of excellence in science, entertainment, and language.
First NI schools to receive specialist status
Northern Ireland's Education Minister, Angela Smith, has today announced that 12 of the province's schools are to receive specialist status by the end of 2006. It is understood that from September this year, the schools will become centres of excellence in science, entertainment, and language.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly dry but cold day with some sunshine, though with the chance of a few freezing fog patches in the south. A few coastal wintry showers. Icy patches. Light winds. Maximum temperature 2 °C.Tonight:Still a few wintry showers in the north and down North Channel coasts, otherwise dry with some clear intervals and perhaps the odd fog patch in the south. Minimum temperature -5 °C.