O’Dowd visits the site of £3.8million project at Ballymoney High School
Date published:
Education Minister John O’Dowd today visited the site of a £3.8million improvement project at Ballymoney High School.
The project includes a new two-storey modular building which will provide specialist accommodation, including provision for science, Home Economics and ICT in addition to eight general classrooms. There will also be some refurbishment work which will enhance the toilet facilities, offices and entrance hall.
Speaking about the investment, the Minister said:
“This £3.8million investment will enable improvements to be carried out which will positively impact on pupils, teachers and school staff. The improved and new accommodation at the school will provide better facilities for our young people to learn in and an improved working environment for all the school staff.”
Continuing 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 education standards.”
The School Enhancement Programme (SEP) was announced in 2013 for projects costing between £500,000 and £4,000,000. The programme is targeted to meet the immediate and pressing needs in schools, through smaller scale works, where a new build capital works are not deemed deliverable.
In conclusion, the Minister said:
“This is a good day for all the pupils and staff of Ballymoney High School and this level of investment also provides a significant boost for the local construction industry. I am delighted to be here today to celebrate with them.”
Notes to editors:
1. Ballymoney High School is a controlled co-educational secondary school in County Antrim.
2. The estimated cost of the overall scheme is £3.816million of which £2.6million is construction.
3. The construction contract has been awarded to Bell Contracts.
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