Education Minister Paul Givan announced significant investments in school construction projects on April 29, 2026. These projects aim to address urgent needs in poorly maintained schools. The announcement occurred during a visit to Fairview Primary School.
Key facts:
- Four new build major works projects and nine school enhancement projects will progress to construction stage.
- The total capital investment for the major works projects is just over £130 million across four years.
- The total capital investment for the school enhancement projects is just over £50 million across three years.
- The major works projects include Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, Priory Integrated College, Dunclug College, and St Malachy’s Primary School.
- The school enhancement projects include Lurgan College, Greenhaw Primary School, Antrim Primary School, Fairview Primary School, Ballyclare Primary School, Chapel Road Primary School, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School Belfast, St Bride’s Primary School, Belfast, and St Mary’s Primary School, Newtownbutler.
Many of these projects have been in planning for a significant number of years. The Minister emphasized the need for increased and sustained capital investment across the Schools’ Estate. He stated that many schools are in exceptionally poor condition.
Paul Givan remarked, “Proceeding to construction stage will be very welcome news for the schools, pupils and wider school communities concerned and for the wider construction industry.” This initiative reflects a commitment to improving educational infrastructure.
In addition to the capital investments in physical infrastructure, the PLE Committee will focus on improving public legal education coordination and delivery. Public legal education gives people the confidence, skills, and knowledge to understand their rights and responsibilities. It is viewed as a vital public good essential for a fair society.
