SDLP West Belfast Cllr Tim Attwood has welcomed the announcement by the DE Minister that Colaiste Feirste will get £11.9m for a new building on the Falls Road in Belfast.

He said: "The decision by the Minister of Education to allocate £11.9m for a new building at Coláiste Feirste is very welcome news for the staff, pupils and parents at Colaiste Feirste.

"Coláiste Feirste has not only been providing a high quality education through the medium of the Irish language but has worked to sustain and grow an Irish-speaking community.

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"This is one of the most significant investments ever in the Irish language in the North. It is important that this is not seen as just one investment but the beginning of a process of investment by others including the Department of Social Development and Belfast City Council.

"DSD Minister Nelson McCausland must make good on the promised investment for environmental improvement made by Alex Attwood when he was the DSD Minister.

"Belfast City Council is also committed to supporting Coláiste Feirste through the development of handball and Sportland proposals. It is important that these investments are synchronised to maximise the cumulative impact."

(CD/GK)