28/06/2006

Major investment for Newtownabbey college

The government has today announced details of a £7.2 million investment package for the Newtownabbey campus of the East Antrim Institute of Further and Higher education.

Announcing the funding, Employment and Learning Minister, Maria Eagle said that the new training facilities at the college will help to provide an improved service for its community and economy.

The funding, which is supported by the Strategic Investment Programme to the tune of £5 million, will enable the Institute to consolidate its teaching accommodation at Newtownabbey onto its main campus site.

Unveiling details of the new investment, the Minister said: “The provision of both new and refurbished training facilities at its Newtownabbey campus will help East Antrim Institute deliver its courses more effectively. It will also enable the Institute to develop sponsored training opportunities and additional income streams, as well as affording it the opportunity to enhance the quality of teaching and learning.”

Ms Eagle continued by highlighting the current review of the Further Education (FE) sector, which underlines the key role colleges play in economic development by creating six larger and more influential colleges from the existing 16.

As part of this change, East Antrim will merge with the North East and Causeway Institutes.

The Minister added: “Today’s announcement underscores the importance of the FE sector to the economy. The Review of FE envisages a sector that engages with its community and industry to ensure local business is provided with a highly skilled workforce, to help Northern Ireland become a world-class economy.

“The Newtownabbey campus has a vital role to play in servicing the needs of local industry and this investment will enhance its ability to be a key driver of economic development for many years to come.”

The package will also enable the Institute to vacate sub-standard facilities at the nearby Felden Training Centre.

(EF/SP)

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

06 October 2022
Poots Welcomes New Bangor Social Farm
Rural Affairs Minister, Edwin Poots MLA, has welcomed the launch of a new social farm in Bangor funded by his department's Rural Social Economy Investment Scheme. Behind the Stable Door Ltd is a social farm that provides those with a disability or illness the opportunity to participate and work on a farm.
30 November 2007
Huge Waves Likely As Gales Lash Ireland
There's a major weather alert this weekend as the west coast of Ireland may be set to experience some of the highest waves seen in years. Both the Irish Marine Institute and Met Éireann have warned the conditions - particularly on Saturday afternoon - will be so bad as to be hazardous to ships and fishing vessels.
20 September 2010
Foster Welcomes Investment in Society
A significant boost for NI's 'social economy' has been warmly welcomed by a Stormont Executive Minister. Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said that the partnership that is offering social enterprises in Northern Ireland access to a £10m investment fund was good news.
13 March 2002
Hanna opens extension to East Antrim Institute
Employment Minister Carmel Hanna has reiterated her commitment to formulating a programme of education and training which will meet the skills requirements of today and the future.
20 September 2019
NI Council Aiming To Erase Hate Crime
A Northern Ireland council has launched a new campaign aimed at eradicating hate crime. Developed by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and partner organisations, the 'No Hate Here' campaign will work to ensure there is no place in society for any form of hate crime or discrimination.