Two Major New School Construction Projects Underway

Two major school construction projects have gotten underway in L'Derry, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.

The first sod has been cut on both the new £34 million Ardnashee School and College and the $4.7 million Our Lady of Fatima Primary School.

At the Ardnashee project, the new build single storey school will provide modern accommodation for a total of 275 nursery, primary, post primary and post 16 pupils.

Speaking on the site of the new school, the Minister praised the work of the school, the Education Authority and contractors for getting the project to the construction stage.

She said: "I am so pleased that construction of this long awaited new school is now on the ground. This is a momentous day for parents, pupils, teachers and school staff as well as the wider local community.

"Once completed, the new school will provide state-of-the-art facilities for some of our most vulnerable children and for that reason is even more important and very much deserved.

"I am confident that the fabulous facilities at Ardnashee will be of real benefit to the whole community for many years to come. I wish all the pupils, staff and school management every success as you embark on this new chapter."

Abigail McConville, Locality Programme Manager with Major Capital Delivery Service at the Education Authority said: "The Education Authority is delighted to be part of this project which has seen the very best in collaboration across a range of stakeholders, with the school community always central to the process.

"Ardnashee School and College will be a model for effective teaching and learning, providing a dynamic and exciting educational environment where pupils develop a love of learning and the skills they need for the future."

Woodvale Construction Company has been appointed to carry out the main building works, which are due to complete in autumn 2024.

In the Our Lady of Fatima Primary School scheme, the investment of £4.7m will provide a new six classrooms and will cater for up to 125 pupils.

Speaking at the sod cutting ceremony Minister McIlveen said: "This is an important day for everyone involved in the provision of this new school which represents a £4.7million investment by my Department.

"The brand new school will provide modern, high quality accommodation which everyone can be very proud of.

"I fully recognise that schools are very much the hub of any community and this investment will have a powerful impact on the wider local community, creating many positive outcomes, not only through the construction period, but though the wider use of the school.

Our Lady of Fatima Primary School will be formed from the amalgamation of Listress and Mullabuoy Primary Schools.

Concluding the Minister said: "I want to wish the pupils, the staff and the school management every success as you embark on this new chapter for your school and I look forward to following development and to see the new school building standing on this site."

Gerry Campbell, Chief Executive of CCMS said: "The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools is delighted to join with colleagues from DE and EA to officially mark commencement of work at Our Lady of Fatima Primary School. The amalgamation between Listress Primary School and Mullabuoy Primary School to become a 6-class base school, is a new chapter for both the school and local community.

"The new school will not only accommodate the changing demographics of the area but will provide all students with the resources and facilities to thrive, grow and reach their full potential."

Martin and Hamilton Limited were appointed to carry out the construction with completion expected by March 2023.