Four local schools to benefit from minor works programme

Several schools in East Derry are set to benefit from £541,216.07 investment under the Department of Education’s minor works scheme.

Speaking about the investment, Education Minister Peter Weir said the capital funding has been approved for four schools in the area since June 2016.

He said: “£281,745.08 has been approved for an electrical review of Drumachose Primary School, Limavady and refurbishment of two classrooms, St Canice’s Primary School, Dungiven will benefit from £164,998.99 for toilet refurbishment works and additional new build storage provision, St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s College, Claudy (pictured) will benefit from £80,972 to refurbish toilet facilities and £13,500 has been approved to convert the library to a general classroom at Rossmar School, Limavady.

“It is estimated that over £51million will have been invested in the minor works programme in the 2016/17 financial year. This investment will enable improvements to be carried out across the schools estate, positively impacting on pupils, teachers and school staff.”

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 confident that the substantial investment in minor works projects will help in the drive to improve educational standards.  The completion of all of these 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.”