The Trustees and Board of Governors of St Malachy’s Primary School Armagh say they are delighted to announce that the proposed new build school on the Chapel Lane, Armagh site has been approved by the Minister of Education to progress to the construction stage.
Procurement of the building contractor will now be progressed and a construction programme will be developed and agreed in due course.
Principal of St Malachy’s, Mrs Catherine Kearney has expressed her own delight at being able to share the “long-awaited” news with the school community.
She said: “This approval marks a hugely significant milestone for St Malachy’s Primary School and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our pupils, staff and families.
“This project has been many years in the making. It was first announced in March 2016 by the then Education Minister John O’Dowd, and this week’s approval is a powerful reminder of what persistence, partnership and belief in our school can achieve.”
The new build will provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that will transform day-to-day life in school. It will support the high-quality teaching and learning delivered by their team of dedicated staff, provide improved accommodation for all pupils, and offer spaces that better meet the needs of children now and into the future.
Most importantly, says Mrs Kearney, it will provide an environment that “reflects our pupils’ potential — safe, welcoming, inclusive and inspiring”.
The Trustees and Board of Governors wish to sincerely thank the Department of Education, the Education Authority and CCMS, along with all those who have worked diligently behind the scenes to bring the project to readiness, with design completed and planning approval secured.
Continued Mrs Kearney: “We also would like to thank local councillors and elected representatives who have consistently supported and championed this project.
“In addition, we warmly recognise the significant contribution of our former principal, Mr Paul Duggan, who retired in June 2025. Mr Duggan championed this project throughout his tenure at St Malachy’s, and his leadership, vision and determination were instrumental in driving it forward to this important stage.
“Finally, sincere thanks are extended to the current and former governors, parents, staff and pupils of St Malachy’s Primary School for their patience, trust and unwavering support throughout this long journey.
“This announcement gives us confidence and momentum as we look ahead to a future where our school building fully reflects the excellence, warmth and ambition of our school community.
“Together, we are building more than a school — we are building the future for our children.”
The school will remain operational at their temporary accommodations at the former site of St Brigid’s while work gets underway.
Sinn Féin Councillor John Óg O Kane has also welcomed the announcement by the Department of Education that St Malachy’s Primary School will progress to construction stage under the latest capital investment programme.
The Armagh Councillor said: “St Malachy’s was originally included on the list of capital projects announced by former Sinn Féin Education Minister John O’Dowd, so it is very welcome to see it now moving to construction.
“This is fantastic news for pupils, staff, parents and the wider school community. The school has long needed investment, and I commend everyone who worked to secure this announcement.”
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan joined the chorus, adding: “This is a significant investment for St Malachy’s and for the wider Armagh area. Pupils and staff deserve modern, high-quality facilities.
“It is positive to see a project first identified during John O’Dowd’s time as Education Minister now progressing.
“Sinn Féin will continue working with all to drive investment into our schools, towns and communities.”
