Prime Highlights :
- More than £180 million has been allocated for 13 school construction and enhancement projects.
- Four major new school buildings and nine refurbishment schemes will now move to construction.
Key Facts :
- Paul Givan announced the release of the projects to construction stage.
- The total investment includes £130 million for major works and £50 million for enhancement projects.
Background :
Education Minister Paul Givan has approved 13 school infrastructure projects to move into the construction stage, marking a major boost for the region’s education facilities. The projects include four major new-build schools and nine enhancement schemes, with a total planned investment of more than £180 million over the next four years.
The four major works projects include schools in Enniskillen, Holywood, Ballymena and Armagh. These projects, valued at over £130 million, will be delivered over four years. In addition, nine schools will undergo refurbishment and extension work under the enhancement programme, with an investment of over £50 million spread across three years.
The minister said the decision was taken to address schools that have been in poor condition for years and urgently need replacement buildings or major upgrades. The smaller schemes will focus on immediate needs by refurbishing and extending to improve learning spaces for students and staff.
The announcement was made during a visit to Fairview Primary School, one of the schools included in the enhancement list. The move is expected to improve school infrastructure, support local communities and provide a steady boost to the construction sector over the coming years.
The move aims to improve school buildings and provide better learning facilities for pupils across Northern Ireland, and support long-term progress in education.
