South Down pupils are in for a boost with the NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, last week cutting the first sod to start construction of the new building at Carrick Primary School, Warrenpoint.

Speaking at the event the Sinn Fein Minister said: "A school is not just a collection of buildings and a workplace it is also a community.

"It is a place to nurture and develop the skills and dreams of our children and young people. In order to fully achieve this goal however teachers and staff do require modern educational facilities.

"Through the historic underinvestment in our schools' estate in the past this requirement was overlooked," she claimed.

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"In recent years I have spent over 99% of the capital funding made available to me for the benefit of schools.

"My priority is, and has always been, to protect frontline services and continue with the schools' modernisation programme as far as possible with the funds made available to me."

As the local construction industry received a fresh fillip as work got underway, she commented: "The start of the construction work here at Carrick Primary School represents an investment of £2.9m in this area and the future of the children here.

"I would like to congratulate everyone involved in ensuring that Carrick Primary School has reached this stage.

"It is an honour to be able to cut the first sod and start the construction process.

"I would like to thank the Principal, Anne Cassidy, for inviting me here and giving me the opportunity to meet all the staff and children.

"I can see that children here are able to learn in a happy, safe environment where all of their abilities are developed and encouraged."

(BMcC/KMcA)