A Co. Armagh primary is among 18 schools across Northern Ireland which will benefit from a £45 million funding pot, it has been announced.
Carrick PS in Lurgan is one of the 12 primary schools on the list to receive their part in the substantial funding.
The money will go towards capital works, including building improvements to help cater for the growing demand.
Speaking on the announcement Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, said: “I very much welcome this funding by my party colleague Peter Weir on his return as Education Minister.
“It will be very useful to Carrick given their building needs a lot of work and they are currently at capacity.
“The education sector has suffered from a real lack of capital investment over the past years and I hope this is the beginning of spending for schools right across Upper Bann to improve not just facilities but to enhance school budgets in general.”
The Minister made the announcement in the Assembly today.
“This is a significant investment which will deliver much needed capital investment in the schools estate,” he said.
“More importantly, this is an investment in the future of our young people and will enhance the quality of their learning experience, leading to better educational opportunities and outcomes.
“Improving the schools estate is a priority for me and the SEP scheme is an excellent way of delivering capital work projects which have an immediate positive impact on the schools, staff and pupils and, indeed, local communities.”
To date, 41 projects have been announced to advance in planning under the second call to the School Enhancement Project. This follows 50 schools which benefitted from investment under the first call.
Concluding Peter Weir said: “Today’s announcement is not only good news for pupils and schools but it will also represent a welcome boost to the economy, especially the construction industry.
“In addition to this SEP announcement, I intend to continue to advance the programme of major capital builds as well as a programme of much needed minor works across the estate. I will also look to invest in maintenance works across all schools.”
Design work will begin immediately with construction work expected to start in 2022/23
