£400,000 investment in Schools in South Down
Date published:
Schools in South Down are set to benefit from £400,000 investment under the Department of Education’s minor works programme.
Speaking about the investment, Education Minister Peter Weir said: “Recently capital funding of £280,000 has been approved for a bus turning circle and associated works at St Louis Grammar School in Kilkeel. A further £120,000 has also been approved for the provision of parking with a pedestrian path at St Patrick’s Primary School, Mayobridge.
It is estimated that over £51million will have been invested in the minor works programme in the 2016/17 financial year.”
Minor works are projects less than £500,000 and range from minor improvements to more significant projects and extensions.
In conclusion the Minister said: “I am certain that the investment in minor works projects will help in the drive to improve educational standards. The completion of the works will ultimately provide better facilities for our children and young people to learn in and an improved working environment for teachers and other school staff. This ongoing significant investment also provides a boost to our local construction industry, helping to sustain jobs.”
Notes to editors:
- The contract was awarded to Whitemountain Quarries Ltd.
- Minor works are projects less than £500,000 (excl. VAT). The figures above exclude VAT and design and planning fees.
- Schemes for controlled schools and school meals accommodation in maintained schools are administered by the Education Authority. Schemes for maintained (other than school meals accommodation), voluntary grammar, grant maintained integrated and Irish-medium schools are processed and administered by the Department of Education.
- 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 http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/education-works for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheDeptofEducation
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