Northern Ireland Education Minister Paul Givan has outlined proposals for a £1.7 billion capital investment programme to address the urgent infrastructure requirements of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

The Minister told the Assembly that special schools across Northern Ireland are operating at capacity, with outdated facilities unable to meet rising demand. He is seeking Executive approval for a dedicated SEN Capital Investment Programme, separate from the main education capital budget, to fund a decade-long programme of construction and expansion.

The plans would deliver new builds and campuses for special schools, expand specialist provision within mainstream schools, and create over 6,000 additional special school places and 5,000 specialist class places.

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Highlighting the scale of the challenge, Mr Givan noted the existing education capital budget is already under pressure, with an £800 million maintenance backlog. He emphasised that a ring-fenced investment is essential to meet the infrastructure requirements of the sector.

Detailed plans published by the Education Authority set out short, medium, and long-term capital works across all 40 special schools in Northern Ireland. These proposals, described by the Minister as a "blueprint for transformation", require full Executive backing to proceed.

Mr Givan said: "Our special schools are full, our facilities are outdated and the demand for specialist provision is growing year on year. Without decisive action, we risk failing the children who need our support most."

He added: "The current education capital budget is already stretched to its limits... It simply cannot absorb the level of investment required. This is not just an education issue—it is a societal obligation. We must invest in facilities that empower our children, support our teachers and uphold our commitment to inclusion and equity."

The statement to the Assembly can be read in full here.

The Plans of Action for Special Schools can be read here.