Minister in favour of mixed use enterprise centre at former Maghera High School site

Minister Liz McKimmins told MLAs in a letter, seen by the Mid Ulster Mail, that she had considered the report and advice from her officials and decided that planning permission should be granted.

A DfI spokesperson said: “Notices of Opinion to grant planning permission for both planning applications on the former Maghera High School were issued on 3 April 2025. A 42-day period is allowed for the applicant/Council to request an opportunity to appear before and be heard by the Planning Appeals Commission, or a person appointed by the Department for the purpose of a hearing before any final decision is issued.”

Mid Ulster District Council's decision to turn the former Maghera High School site on the Tobermore into business park, encountered opposition from local people who wanted the 24-acre grounds turned into a nature park.

For more than ten years the site has been vacant with no access.

Industrialists will welcome the Minister’s decision granting planning permission for the redevelopment of the site.

The ‘Take Action For Maghera Park’ community organisation have run a well organised campaign against the council plans.

Speaking ahead of an event last year a spokesperson for the group said: “When the school was demolished in 2008 the townsfolk started to use the grounds on a regular basis for various activities including vintage car rallies and the community link.

A spokesperson for Mid Ulster Council said they noted the Minister’s opinion that Maghera Business Park should be granted and looked forward to the completion of the formal planning process.