Not all schools projects will proceed

A number of school projects in Londonderry are currently listed as part of the Department of Education’s current capital programme including Lisnagelvin PS (5.5m), St Cecilia’s College (19.8m) and St Mary’s College (19.8m)

The Minister listed these amongst schools which will benefit from the budget announced for 2010/11 in relation to new school builds although pupils at Lisnagelvin PS have already moved in to their new premises in the Waterside. But others must wait.

Work at St Cecilia’s and St Mary’s continues, benefitting from a share of an investment by DE of over 252m, which will require funding from the capital budget for 2010/11.

Other school builds in Londonderry listed in DE’s Investment Delivery Plan (IDP) include Ebrington Primary School, Belmont Special School, Eglinton Primary School, Newbuildings Primary School and Foyle and Londonderry College.

The department states that approval to proceed to construction will only be given for these projects once the appraisal and planning stages have been successfully completed and where the project can be afforded within the resource available.

But the minister said a drastic reduction in the budget over the year meant tough decisions ahead.

She stated: “The net capital budget for 2010-11 of 169million is some 84 million lower in real terms than 2009-10, and I have not yet taken any decision on which new school builds will be able to proceed in the 2010/11 financial year.

“A review of capital works is underway to ensure that available resources are used to secure the best outcomes for children and maximise value for every taxpayer. Given the straitened financial position in 2010/11 tough decisions will have to be taken.”

The Minister was asked by DUP MLA Peter Weir to outline what effect the reduced budget would have on the review of her Department’s capital programme.

She replied: “It is critical that investment in the education estate is consistent with and supportive of the policy framework and adheres to the department's statutory duties in relation to equality and targeting on the basis of objective need.

“At the heart of this is Every School a Good School, Revised Curriculum, Entitlement Framework, Sustainable Schools and the Irish Medium Review.

“This is why I have commissioned a review of all capital projects to inform a more strategic approach to capital investment decisions and management of the schools estate.

“The review is intended to ensure that we put the right size and type of school in the right location to meet the needs of children and young people.”

But she added that the rate at which her Department can build new schools in future is dependant on the amount of money available to it.

“The rate at which we can build new schools is a separate issue and dependent on the available resources. The Education budget as you will be aware is set by the Executive.

“In my budget statement on 21 April 2010 I highlighted the challenging financial position being faced. My Department has tough decisions to make and I look forward to support from all parties when I make bids for additional funding during in year monitoring rounds.

“I have to emphasise that at this stage I have not withdrawn funding for any school. However, given the reduced funding available to my Department it is inevitable that not all capital projects can be progressed as planned,” she said.