£500,000 for Sandelford

The scheme will see a new classroom block at the Coleraine school, which caters for young people with special needs aged from aged three to 19.

Speaking about the funding announcement, Education Minister John O’Dowd said: “My Department has agreed investment of nearly £500,000 for a modular classroom block at the school.

“A total of 21 minor works projects amounting to over £5million were agreed in May across all boardareas.

“Ten of these projects are in the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) area, totalling over £3.7million.”

Minor works are schemes ranging from minor repair to more significant work projects and extensions.

“This ongoing investment in the schools estate continues to have a positive impact on pupils, teachers and school staff and provides a much needed boost to the construction industry.”

In conclusion the Minister said: “I am confident that the substantial investment in minor works projects will help in the drive to improve educational standards. The completion of all of these works will ultimately provide better facilities for our children and young people to learn in and an improved working environment for teachers and other school staff.”