Education Minister, Paul Givan, has announced that new build projects for seven schools across Northern Ireland has been given the go-ahead.

Mr Givan has written to Principals following his decision to lift the pause on a number of schools in the worst condition, announced for capital funding in 2022.

The schools that will now progress in planning are:

• Carrickfergus Academy;

• Loreto College, Coleraine;

• Dromore High School;

• Edmund Rice College, Newtownabbey;

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• Portadown College;

• Mercy College, Belfast; and

• Malone Integrated College, Belfast.

During a visit to Dromore High School, the Minister said: "There is not a moment to lose. That is why to begin this process, Integrated Consultancy Teams will now be appointed to progress this ambitious programme of new build projects for schools in the worst conditions.

"Children across Northern Ireland have the right to be educated in schools which are comfortable and safe, are of good quality and are properly designed and resourced to support their learning.

"We need to transform our school buildings so that they are truly fit for the future and can provide the best possible education experience for our young people.

"There can be no greater investment in our future than investment in education, therefore I will continue to make the case for significant additional capital funding for our schools' estate."