New shared campus for Limavady schools confirmed

The confirmation of £43 million funding to build a shared campus between Limavady High School and St Mary's has been welcomed locally.

Education Minister John O’Dowd has announced that St Mary’s and the High School will be included in a massive investment programme in Integrated and Shared Education.

East Londonderry MLA Cathal Ó hOisín said: “This is the first round of money which was committed by the UK Government under the Fresh Start agreement. It is intended to increase the number of available places in integrated and shared education schools and to make much needed improvements to infrastructure.

Schools are central to communities and education has a key part to play in shaping our future. I am pleased that shared and integrated education projects in the North West will receive a slice of this first tranche of funding. It will enable children in Limavady and the surrounding area to learn in a shared environment where there is a focus on respect for difference. This will undoubtedly contribute to building a truly shared future.

This is the start of substantial investment from the UK Government which will continue over the next decade. I look forward to visiting these projects in Limavady and to seeing the benefits of this investment as the work is taken forward.”

The news was also welcomed by another East Londonderry MLA, Claire Sugden. Ms Sugden said: “I welcome the announcement of a £43M investment for integrated and shared education projects, two of which are in Limavady.

This is the first round of money which was committed by the UK Government under the Fresh Start agreement. It is intended to increase the number of available places in integrated and shared education schools and to make much needed improvements to infrastructure.

Schools are central to communities and education has a key part to play in shaping our future. I am pleased that shared and integrated education projects in the North West will receive a slice of this first tranche of funding. It will enable children in Limavady and the surrounding area to learn in a shared environment where there is a focus on respect for difference. This will undoubtedly contribute to building a truly shared future.

This is the start of substantial investment from the UK Government which will continue over the next decade. I look forward to visiting these projects in Limavady and to seeing the benefits of this investment as the work is taken forward.”