28/07/2014

Permission For Mobile Classrooms Approved

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has approved planning permission for a range of temporary mobile classrooms in the grounds of St Patrick's College, Scarva Road in Banbridge.

The work will facilitate the transfer of pupils from the nearby St Mary's Primary School site later this year to allow work to commence on a new school approved in 2012 at the St Mary's site.

Planning approval for the new St Mary's Primary School – with an estimated investment of more than £5m – was granted in November 2013 and involves the demolition of the existing school premises in Reilly Park.

Commenting on the decision, Mark H Durkan said: "This decision is good news for the teachers, parents and pupils of St Mary's Primary School and positive news for Banbridge. When the temporary mobile classrooms are put in place, this will pave the way for construction of the new purpose-built modern school building that will benefit the area for many years to come.

"This is further evidence of my commitment to prioritising development proposals for community facilities and infrastructure. To assist the Department of Education's tight deadline, the application for the mobile classrooms was prioritised and turned around in under two months – something I would applaud the local planning staff for. Once again this demonstrates that my planning reform agenda is delivering real change."

Education Minister John O'Dowd added: "The St Mary's Primary School project is one of 40 new school building projects I have announced over the past two years as part of a £350 million capital investment programme. The planning approval for the temporary mobile classrooms will allow this important building project to commence."

It is anticipated that the new-build will consist of a 14-classroom school and nursery unit and will take two and a half years to complete. Between 50 and 100 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the project.

(JP/CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
11 August 2016
Fire At L'Derry Primary School Being Treated As Suspicious
A fire at a L'Derry primary school is believed to have been started deliberately. The fire at the Good Shepherd Primary School, in the Waterside area of the city, was reported shortly before 8pm on Wednesay night, 10 August.
18 May 2009
£11.5m St Mary's College Scheme Gets Go-Ahead
Work is to begin on an £11.5m Londonderry school development, it has been announced. Financial closure has been reached on the HLM and RPP joint architectural design for St. Mary's College.
16 December 2009
Magherafelt School Gets Green Light
Northern Ireland Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has given the go ahead for a new, £9m Magherafelt High School. "It is essential that while I am implementing reforms to raise educational standards we are providing the highest quality accommodation for our young people," said the Minister, (pictured).