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  • Education Minister cuts first sod at Gaelscoil Uí Néill, Coalisland

    Date published: 23 September 2026

    Education Minister Paul Givan has cut the first sod on a £7.7M project at Gaelscoil Uí Néill.

    Image of Education Minister Paul Givan pictured at the Gaelscoil Uí Néill sod cutting ceremony with Principal, Conor McPhillips, Gerard Galvin, Chair of the Board of Governors and pupils.
    Image of Education Minister Paul Givan pictured at the Gaelscoil Uí Néill sod cutting ceremony with Principal, Conor McPhillips, Gerard Galvin, Chair of the Board of Governors and pupils.

    The new build project will deliver a seven class base primary school with a single unit nursery on the Gortgonis Road in Coalisland.

    Attending the sod cutting ceremony the Education Minister said: 

    “I am pleased to be here to celebrate the start of an exciting new phase in Gaelscoil Uí Néill’s development, with work beginning on a new seven-classroom primary school and nursery unit. This significant project represents an investment of more than £7 million, which will provide long-term benefits for pupils, staff and the wider school community through improved facilities and enhanced opportunities for teaching and learning."

    Gaelscoil Uí Néill was announced as a major capital project on 22 January 2013 with work expected to complete Spring 2028.

    The Minister continued: 

    “Schools play a central role within our communities, and it is essential that they offer welcoming and inspiring spaces where young people can learn and grow. This new development will help ensure that Gaelscoil Uí Néill continues to provide an excellent educational experience for many years to come.”

    Gaelscoil Uí Néill Principal, Mr McPhillips said: 

    “Today’s sod cutting ceremony marks an exciting milestone for the pupils and staff at Gaelscoil Uí Néill.

    “It is the beginning of our journey towards a modern, purpose-built school that will provide an inspiring environment, where young minds can thrive, grow and achieve their full potential. I would like to pay tribute to everyone involved in the hard work and planning of our new school. This will undoubtedly bring lasting benefits to the entire school community for generations to come.” 

    Notes to editors:

    1. KnoxClayton are the appointed Integrated Consultant Team (ICT) and following construction procurement, Connolly & Fee was appointed as the Integrated Supply Team in March 2022.

    2. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office at Press.Office@education-ni.gov.uk

    3. For more news from the Department of Education, you can follow us on our social media channels:

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    4. The Executive Information Service operates an out-of-hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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