Foyle and Ebrington co-locationin home stretch with tender out

This week the Boards of Governors of Ebrington Primary School & Nursery and Foyle College are delighted to announce that plans for the co-location of the two schools have finally gone out to tender, with seven Northern Ireland firms involved in the bidding process. Pictured on the site of the new school at the former Clooney Army base in Derry-Londonderry are, Nigel Dougherty, Principal of Ebrington Primary School, Robin Young Chairpersn of Foyle College Board of Governors, Patrick Allen, Foyle College Principal and John Manning, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, Ebrington Primary School. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com

There had been some fears in the two school communities that the recent announcements regarding budget cuts of some 20 per cent in the capital budget might impact on the project, but the Department of Education (DE) has already made provision to ensure that the project goes ahead.

It will lead to significant investment in the Waterside; not only in terms of new infrastructure but also as a means of ensuring the very best education for local young people.

Nigel Dougherty, Principal of Ebrington, said: “Ebrington has a long and proud history stretching back over 114 years. We will soon have an outstanding new building with excellent facilities which, we hope, will serve the children and the community of the Waterside for the next 50 years.”

WELB boss Barry Mulholland said: “This shared campus is a very exciting venture for Ebrington Primary School and Nursery Unit and will enhance the educational provision within the Waterside and surrounding Area.”

Foyle College Principal said: “It is our hope that the new school facilities will provide an inspirational learning environment that will encourage every pupil to reach their full potential.

“Foyle College teachers are currently developing their use of new technologies in preparation for the move so as to better engage pupils and provide them with the skills needed in the modern workplace.”

Both Principals stated that they are delighted to have reached this stage following a lengthy, and at times frustrating, campaign stretching over many years.

Robin Young, Chairman of the Foyle College Board of Governors said: “We are delighted to have got over the final hurdle and look forward to forging closer links between the two schools at all levels for the benefit of both sets of pupils.”

The tender period for the project commenced on the December 5 and it is intended that work will finally commence on the Clooney site at the beginning April 2015.