Derry schools in the money with Major Capital Works funding boost

Two Derry schools are in the money following a cash boost from the Department of Education.

St Brigid's College and Lumen Christi College were two of 28 schools across the North announced by Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, to receive funding from the Major Capital Works Programme.

From the total capital investment of £794million, St Brigid will receive £22.7million while Lumen Christi will get £26.5million.

Minister McIlveen told the Assembly at Stormont: “Twenty-eight schools are to advance in planning under the Major Capital Works Programme.

“These schools will benefit from a capital investment in the region of £794 million, with deliverability subject to the level of capital resources available to the Department towards the end of this decade and into the next.

“The costs are only indicative because they are based on today's prices, there is no VAT included and there are site costs and everything else to consider, but, as a broad estimate, St Brigid's College will get £22.7 million and Lumen Christi College will get £26.5 million.

“I am very mindful that there are pressures in the Department where resource and manpower in particular are concerned, so those will need to be looked at.

“However, alongside that, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools and the Education Authority will be involved, and we will go out to look for those who will be keen to be involved in the development and design of the projects, so experts will be brought on board in order to make sure that the schemes are brought forward.”

The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) welcome the announcement from the Minister of Education.

CCMS nominated a number of schools to the Capital Call and is delighted that St. Brigid’s College was one of ten CCMS schools successful in securing major capital investment.

St Brigid’s College Principal, Pádraig Ó Mianáin said: “St Brigid’s College has served generations of families and is rooted in the local Derry community.

“This investment not only accommodates the changing demographics of the city, but will also provide students with the facilities to thrive, grow and reach their full potential.”

CCMS Chief Executive, Gerry Campbell added: “We know many CCMS schools have continuing issues in relation to the condition of their estate. We welcome all investment to address these challenges and provide high quality school accommodation.

“This announcement will have a hugely positive impact on the staff, pupils, and school communities for the named schools. We will continue to work with other schools in the CCMS family that would also benefit from investment and will engage with the Department of Education to support their progression for the next capital call.”

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA, Ciara Ferguson, also welcomed the funding boost that St Brigid's and Lumen Christi will receive to modernise their schools.

She said: “This is a great day for St Brigid’s and Lumen Christi colleges as we have secured confirmation from the education minister that they will be included in major investment plans to redevelop and modernise the school.

“They are both first-class schools at the heart of our community with thousands of pupils. This investment can help ensure they have access to the very best facilities and opportunities in life.

“Sinn Féin will continue to hold the education minister’s feet to the fire to ensure that these schools receive this funding as a priority, and that other schools in Derry are also invested in.”