Education Minister Peter Weir has announced the latest round of school enhancement funding and schools in South Down are to benefit.
Sinn Féin MLA Emma Rogan has welcomed news that Our Lady and St Patrick’s Primary School, Downpatrick will benefit from investment through the School Enhancement Programme.
The South Down MLA said: “I am delighted to see Our Lady and St Patrick’s Primary School- Bunscoil Mhuire agus Phádraig , Downpatrick receive investment through the School Enhancement Programme that has been announced this week.
“The school is one of 16 that will benefit from a total estimated investment of £40 million.
“This investment will enable improvements to be made to the school which will have a positive impact on pupils and staff.”
And the Meadow Primary School in Newry are also to receive School Enhancement Funding. Newry & Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed the recent announcement by the Department for Education that St Patricks Primary School based in the Meadow, Newry, has been included in the second tranche of funding through the Departments School Enhancement Programme.
The Newry MLA said: “This is welcome news and I commend all for their efforts. Since I went into the Assembly in January this year, I have been lobbying the Minister to prioritise St Patrick’s as part of this scheme, as it is the oldest primary school in Newry and has not previously received capital investmen
“This much needed funding will help to enhance the school facilities and consequently improve the teaching and learning environment for the whole school community.”
Liz Kimmins did however express disappointment that the that the Minister has not awarded any funding for Gaelscoileanna as part of this announcement.
She added: “I would urge the Education Minister to consider this going forward. I also encourage him to visit Bunscoil an Iúir where he would see for himself at first hand the current conditions staff and pupils are learning in and the need for significant investment”.
