Over £10million investment for 4 schools to proceed - Weir

Education Minister, Peter Weir, announced today that work valued at over £10million will now begin at four schools under the School Enhancement Programme (SEP).

Improvement schemes at St Malachy’s College, Belfast, Our Lady’s Grammar School, Newry, St Michael’s College, Enniskillen and Slemish Integrated College, Ballymena have been given approval to move to the  construction phase.

The Minister said:

“This £10million investment will provide new and improved facilities and accommodation which will enhance the working and learning environment for pupils and school staff.

 “Improving the schools estate is a priority for me and the School Enhancement Programme is an excellent way of delivering capital work projects which have an immediate positive impact on the schools, staff and pupils."  

The School Enhancement Project (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 where major capital works are not deemed deliverable.

Notes to editors: 

1.  Information on the schemes are detailed below:

St Malachy’s College, Belfast

The project involves refurbishment and Health & Safety works to upgrade the heating system to Blocks A, B, Main Block and Music Block; works to stabilise a listed boundary wall, works to improve general site drainage and ground surfaces and the provision of an extension to the Technology and Design Block. Cost is £2.4million.

Our Lady’s Grammar School, Newry

The project involves the construction of a new standalone extension consisting of three-room Technology and Design Suite, incorporating three general classrooms and refurbishment of existing accommodation to include the conversion existing accommodation  to provide a new 2 room ICT suite, 6 form study and general classroom. Cost is £3.275million.

St Michael’s College, Enniskillen

The project involves the construction of a new floodlit 3G pitch, with a shale athletics area and changing pavilion. Cost is £1.07million.

Slemish Integrated College, Ballymena

The project involves the construction of a new sports hall, floodlit synthetic pitch, three tennis courts and repairs to existing rugby pitch. Cost is £3.082million.

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