Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced planning approval for a 14-classroom primary school and nursery unit in Banbridge.

The investment, estimated at over £5m, will see demolition of the existing school and nursery unit at St Mary's Primary School in Reilly Park.

The proposal involves an initial extension to the existing school site to temporarily accommodate pupils and teachers whilst construction of the new buildings is underway. Construction will take place in four phases with this accommodation developed in the first phase. The proposal also involves the introduction of a new one-way loop traffic system.

-- Advertisement --

It is estimated that the build will take two and a half years to complete, with an estimated 50 to 100 jobs created in the construction phase.

Mr Durkan said: "This significant new development scheme is welcome news for the local area. It will mean a new and modern primary school and nursery unit that will benefit the Banbridge area for many years with a jobs boost during the construction phase.

"This application was turned around within six months which meets the Programme for Government Target for Large Scale Investments. It is my aim to ensure planning creates a better environment and a stronger economy. This development helps to do this."

(CD/JP)