NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has met with the architects employed to design the Middletown Centre for Autism in Co Armagh.



Speaking after the meeting, the minister said: "Middletown is a very exciting project. It will offer state-of-the-art facilities for children living with autism and provide advice and support for their parents.



"Plans for the new buildings at Middletown are at an advanced stage and I was impressed by the architects' designs that will include renewable energy sources for the centre.

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"In addition, to enhance the site, local species of trees and foliage will be used in order to create a village atmosphere for the students and teachers.

"Middletown is a cross-border project and all costs will be shared 50:50 with the Department for Education and Science in Dublin.



"The centre at Middletown will provide learning support, training, research and assessment. These provisions will be the best these islands have to offer, helping both the child and the educator to identify and treat the needs of this condition.



"I look forward to the start of the building work and renovation of the current accommodation on the site," the Minister added.

(PR/JM)