Schools in Northern Ireland are set to benefit from approximately £4.4m investment in the coming months under the Minor Works Scheme.

Education Minister, John O'Dowd said: "Since January this year, £23.8million has been allocated to minor works contracts with £4.4million being invested in 42 contracts during the month of June.

"This ongoing investment in the schools estate is having a positive impact on pupils, teachers and school staff and provides a much needed boost to the construction industry at what is a challenging time for local firms."

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Minor works contracts awarded during June include the refurbishment of the kitchen and/or dining areas at Irvinestown Primary School, Enniskillen and Harmony Primary School, Belfast. Also, car parking facilities at Cloughoge Primary School, Newry; alterations to a classroom for a nursery unit at St Patrick’s Primary School, Dungannon and special needs adaptations, including flagging, fencing and kerbing at Ballymena Academy.

During the past year, 40 new school building projects were given approval to proceed representing a potential investment of £353m.

The Minister said: "These major projects obviously generate a significant amount of interest and have a positive impact not only on those individual school communities but also on the local economy. However, in addition to these more high profile projects, it is important to note that there continues to be investment in the schools estate on an ongoing basis."

(CD/JP)