Ceara School’s £400k boost

Education Minister John O’Dowd announced the investment for the Lurgan school saying it was an ongoing investment in the schools estate.

Dr Peter Cunningham, Principal of Ceara School said he was delighted.

“This funding will allow us to cater for the needs of some of the most marginalised and disadvantaged children in our society. The Minister and the Department of Education as well as SELB officials are to be congratulated in including the excluded. On behalf of the children I thank them all,” said Mr Cunningham.

It was part of £4.4m investment in schools across Northern Ireland by the Department of Education under the Minor Works Scheme.

Minister, John O’Dowd said: “Since January this year, £23.8m has been allocated to minor works contracts with £4.4m being invested in 42 contracts during the month of June.

“This ongoing investment in the schools estate is having a positive impact on pupils, teachers and school staff and provides a much needed boost to the construction industry at what is a challenging time for local firms.”

“These major projects obviously generate a significant amount of interest and have a positive impact not only on those individual school communities but also on the local economy. However, in addition to these more high profile projects, it is important to note that there continues to be investment in the schools estate on an ongoing basis.

“The completion of these works will ultimately provide better facilities for our children and young people to learn in an improved working environment.”