Givan calls for £1.7 Billion investment in SEN infrastructure
Many families across County Down and Northern Ireland are impacted by members who have special needs and who provide 24/7 care for their loved ones.
But the area of special education needs is falling badly behind and Education Minister Paul Givan has flagged up the urgency calling for an Executive investment programme to re-shape educational infrastructure for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
In a statement to the Assembly, the Minister revealed his proposals for a £1.7 billion, Executive-led SEN Capital Investment Programme.
This strategic game-changer would transform the facilities supporting Northern Ireland’s most vulnerable learners.
Paul Givan said: “We are at a critical juncture. Our special schools are full, our facilities are outdated and the demand for specialist provision is growing year on year.
“Without decisive action, we risk failing the children who need our support most.”
The proposed SEN Capital Investment Programme would see £1.7 billion ring-fenced over the next decade, separate from the main education capital budget.
This funding would support:
- New builds and campuses for special schools.
- Expansion of specialist provision in mainstream schools.
- Over 6,000 additional special school places and 5,000 specialist class places.
The Minister stressed: “The current education capital budget is already stretched to its limits, with a £800 million maintenance backlog. It simply cannot absorb the level of investment required.
“This is not just an education issue… it is a societal obligation. We must invest in facilities that empower our children, support our teachers and uphold our commitment to inclusion and equity.
“The Education Authority has published detailed plans for all 40 special schools, outlining short, medium, and long-term capital works.
“These plans form the blueprint for transformation but require Executive endorsement and funding to proceed.”
The Minister added: “I urge all parties to unite behind this proposal. Let us move from patchwork solutions to purposeful transformation.
“Let us invest not only in buildings, but in hope, opportunity, and the dignity of every child who relies on us to get this right.”
Read the statement HERE.
