Education Minister John O’Dowd has highlighted commencement of work on a new £3.9million school for St Bronagh’s Primary School, Rostrevor.
The new build will be carried out in two stages and includes a seven class Primary School and a Youth Club (subject to planning permission).
Speaking at the site, the Minister said:
"I am delighted to be here today to celebrate this key milestone for St Bronagh’s Primary School. This £3.9million investment will provide state of the art accommodation which will positively impact on the pupils and staff of the school for many generations to come.
Ongoing investment in our schools estate is essential if we are to continue to provide a quality education and I have always lobbied hard for the best deal possible to ensure our schools get the attention they need and deserve.
I am delighted that during my time as Minister I have been able to advance 56 major school projects to proceed in planning representing over £500million investment and 51 School Enhancement Projects with an estimated value of £134million. I also recently announced a further £40million capital investment that will enable 10 primary school projects to advance in planning. Such investment has a positive impact on the entire school community and will continue to do so for many years to come."
In conclusion the Minister thanked Principal Gallagher for the invitation. He said:
“I wish the pupils, staff and school management every success as they embark on a new chapter and get on step closer to their brand new school.”
Principal John Gallagher said:
“This is a very exciting time for all involved with our school and indeed the wider community of Rostrevor. We are absolutely delighted that the first sod has been cut for our new school and we look forward to the pupils from St Bronagh’s continuing to develop and flourish in a brand new building.
“Our new school will help us by providing an enriched learning environment to allow each child to achieve their full potential through the delivery of the curriculum. We are also committed to delivering an extensive programme of extra-curricular activities which will be enhanced by the provision of a fit for purpose building which has been specifically designed for the needs of the school.
“I would like to thank the staff, pupils and wider school community for their patience and support over the past few years.”
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