Education Minister views £4million enhancement project at St Patrick’s Grammar School, Armagh

Date published: 28 January 2016

Education Minister John O’Dowd has visited St Patrick’s Grammar School in Armagh to see the £4million enhancement scheme which is underway at the school.

The School Enhancement Programme (SEP) project involves the upgrade of the Schools Meals accommodation and conversion of the extensive former boarding accommodation into classrooms, a library, ICT rooms and a careers suite.

Speaking as he was shown around the works the Minister said:

“Ongoing investment in our schools estate is essential if we are to continue to provide a quality education. The School Enhancement Programme is an important way of providing much needed work to our schools estate and I am confident that this investment will help in the drive to improve educational standards.

“As well as benefiting the school environment, investment like this one also provide a much needed boost to the construction industry. I am delighted to visit St Patrick’s today to see this work begin and I wish you well as this project moves forward.”

Principal at St Patrick’s Grammar School Fr Kevin Donaghy, welcoming the Minister said:

"This projects amounts to a significant upgrade in both accommodation and facilities at the school and it equips us to serve the needs of students and staff to a very high standard.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect - Education Works for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel.

2. See photos from the Department of Education in our Flickr collection.

3. Media enquiries to the Department of Education’s Communications Team on Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.

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