Stormont Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has cut the first sod of the new build project for Taughmonagh Primary School in Belfast.

Addressing guests at the event, the Minister said: "I very much welcome the opportunity to start construction of the new Taughmonagh Primary School by cutting the first sod. The project represents an investment by my Department of over £3.5million and is a flagship development for the community of south Belfast."

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The school is the first to proceed of the 14 new projects announced in august and up to £23 million could be spent on new schools' building and maintenance works before the end of March 2011.

She continued: "The new school will provide fantastic learning and development facilities for children and young people in what is an area of social disadvantage. Taughmonagh Primary School already acts as a focal point for the local community and I have no doubt that the new facilities will enable the school to make an even greater contribution to life in the area.

"I would like to pay tribute to the Principal, governors, staff, parents and the local community, all of whose hard work and commitment are crucial to the success of this project."

(CD)