Education Minister gives go-ahead for new build projects for seven schools

New build projects for seven schools have been given the green light.

Capital funding for 28 schools had been announced in March 2022 but was subsequently placed on pause.

Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan announced on Tuesday that he has lifted the pause for a number of schools in the worst condition.

New build projects for Carrickfergus Academy, Loreto College, Coleraine, Dromore High School, Edmund Rice College, Newtownabbey, Portadown College, Mercy College, Belfast, and Malone Integrated College, Belfast, will now progress in planning, Mr Givan has said.

The minister said he has written to the principals following his decision.

“Last week I announced my plans to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose education system that meets the needs of our society and our pupils in the 21st century,” he said.

“There is not a moment to lose. That is why to begin this process, integrated consultancy teams will now be appointed to progress this ambitious programme of new build projects for schools in the worst conditions.”

He added: “There can be no greater investment in our future than investment in education, therefore I will continue to make the case for significant additional capital funding for our schools estate.”