Schools capital review is at an advanced stage

A CAPITAL review potentially deciding the fate of a number of schools projects in Londonderry is at an advanced stage says Education Minister Caitríona Ruane.

With a capital budget reduced by 84million on last year the Minister said she will be forced to take tough decisions on which new school projects receive funding in 2010/11.

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).

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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.

DUP MLA Gregory Campbell asked the Minister when she will be able to confirm a timescale for the completion of the review of capital projects in the Foyle and East Londonderry constituencies.

The Minister said a review was at an advanced stage but warned that tough decisions will have to be taken and projects could be delayed.

"The capital review is at an advanced stage and all those directly affected will be advised of the conclusions as soon as possible," she stated.

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"However I want to reiterate that the motivation for the review has been to ensure that investment in the education estate is consistent with and supportive of the policy framework that I am putting in place and that it adheres to our statutory duties in relation to equality and targeting on the basis of objective need," she added.

"I have indicated that all projects will be considered in the context of the six criteria outlined in the Sustainable Schools Policy alongside the condition of the schools buildings.

"It is important to recognise however that, as a result of the current constraints on the capital budget, difficult decisions will have to be taken and not all projects will go ahead in the timeframe originally planned or at a pace that we would all like to achieve," said Mrs Ruane.

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