14 schools see building plans placed on hold

Budget 2007

Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown leaves 11 Downing Street with his traditional red briefcase, ahead of presenting his budget in Parliament in London, Wednesday March 21, 2007.

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Thursday, March 22, 2007

By Robin Morton and Kathryn Torney

Fourteen schools were today coming to terms with the news that their major building projects have been put on hold.

Education Minister Maria Eagle announced on budget day that 84 school extensions or new builds had been given the go-ahead - following a review of plans instigated after the Bain Report was published and recommended an area-based approach to planning.

The review identified eight projects with major issues relating to future enrolment or provision in the area - future building work for these schools has not been ruled out but new capital work should take account of area-based planning.

Schemes at a further six schools have been put on hold to allow Department of Education officials time for a further period of assessment.

The Minister said further examination would be undertaken with the relevant authorities to confirm the position, but said she wanted decisions to be taken within two months as to whether the projects would proceed.

Ms Eagle said: "The Bain Review, which Government has fully accepted, made detailed recommendations for better planning of the schools' estate in the context of falling enrolments.

"It recommended that previously announced capital projects currently under way should be reviewed according to their stage of development for their consistency with the area-based approach."

Ms Eagle said that all 84 projects which are to go ahead would be monitored to ensure that they remained sustainable.

She continued: "Government is committed, through the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, to substantial investment in school buildings over the next decade. It is imperative that this money is used to best effect so that every child has the opportunity to learn in a modern environment."

Schools which the Minister said should not proceed with their development schemes are:

Post-primary schools: Orangefield High School, Belfast; Dominican College, Portstewart.

Primary schools: Suffolk, Rosetta, both Belfast; St MacNisius, Tanaghmore; Moneydarragh; St Joseph's, Ballymartin; St Eugene's, Londonderry.

Schools at which schemes have been put on hold pending further detailed assessment:

Coleraine College; the High School, Ballynahinch; Priory Integrated College, Holywood; Dean Maguirc College, Carrickmore; Strabane Grammar School; Erne Special School, Enniskillen.

The department said a decision was to be taken shortly on a proposed merger between Strabane Grammar and Strabane High School.