Eighteen schools across the north will receive new facilities as part of a £173m investment in the schools estate.

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, made the announcement today as he addressed the Assembly on the future of his capital programme.

Speaking, after unveiling the list of new builds, Mr O’Dowd said: “Since taking on the role of Minister for Education I have visited schools in each and every sector of education provision. The common factor across the estate has been the clear need for considerable investment in infrastructure.

“The need for investment far exceeds the funding available. While I would like to be in a position to fund everything that needs doing now, I must work within the budget available. This means difficult decisions on future investment plans.

“The area planning process currently being undertaken will determine the future pattern of provision in each area. It is estimated that it will be the final quarter of the current financial year, however, before the first plans are formally adopted. It is clear, therefore, that decisions are needed now to influence capital expenditure in the next two financial years, therefore I have decided to move forward immediately with 13 new school builds in the primary and post-primary sectors.

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“These schools come from right across the north and were identified as the highest priority projects following a rigorous selection process.

“Furthermore, I am particularly aware of the need to ensure we support the most vulnerable in our education system.

“No-one visiting our special schools could remain unmoved by the needs of the children attending these facilities. I would dearly like to be able to advance every deserving case immediately. However, within the limits of the funding available to me, I am determined that we make progress with a number of cases at this time.

“I am therefore today announcing that the process for building three special schools will be advanced. In addition, I can announce that the preferred option for the former Balmoral High School Facility is that St. Gerard’s Resource Centre in West Belfast will be the long-term tenant. Furthermore, Arvalee Special School in Omagh will be taken forward as part of the Lisanelly Campus project.

“This will be good news for the pupils and communities directly affected. A world-class educational environment will help us deliver the improvements in educational outcomes we are working so hard to achieve.”

(CD)