Construction has commenced on a major £38m capital project to provide a new school building for Strangford Integrated College (IC) in Carrowdore, County Down.

Marking the occasion, Northern Ireland Education Minister Paul Givan performed a sod-cutting ceremony at the site, before contractor Felix O'Hare & Co Ltd officially began works.

Speaking at the Strangford IC site, the Minister said: "This major project will provide modern new facilities that will support the teaching and learning needs of the pupils for many years to come and create an environment that helps them to thrive.

"It is important to acknowledge the commitment and hard work of the school and its stakeholders in helping to bring the project to this stage. Today, they can all be proud of this positive step as they look forward to their new school building becoming a reality. I wish everyone at Strangford Integrated College every success for the future."

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Principal of Strangford Integrated College Mrs Clare Foster added: "This is a significant milestone for our school community. The contractors are on site, and staff and students are excited to see the new building progress.  

"Since we opened our doors in 1997, Strangford Integrated College has continued to grow in numbers and reputation. This new building on our existing site will enable us to provide students with access to high quality integrated education in a modern, state-of-the-art, energy-efficient building in which our young people will continue to thrive and flourish. 

"Our students deserve the best start in life, and we are looking forward to the opportunities that the enhanced school facilities and top-class sporting facilities will offer to both students and staff.  

"A great deal of work has gone into getting to the new build project to this stage I would like to thank the Department of Education, project consultants AECOM and the Board of Governors for their support in making this happen."

The Strangford IC scheme is being funded under the Fresh Start capital programme.