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16/08/2011
Jobs Boost As School Building Approved
Building workers have won a boost with news that the NI Education Minister, John O'Dowd, cut the first sod of a new building for St Columba's Primary School, Draperstown.
Construction jobs will follow with the new school being built to accommodate up to 175 pupils, on a site on the Sixtowns Road adjacent to where the current school is situated.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister said: "The cutting of this first sod of a new build for St Columba's Primary School is a great day for the village of Straw and its surrounding area.
"This school has been delivering education to the children of the parish of Ballinascreen for over 50 years and is an integral part of the community with strong links to the local people.
"The start of this construction represents an investment of almost £2million by my Department in the future of the children that attend St Columba's Primary School. Since May 2007, 53 major school building projects have been completed across the north, with a further 18 projects on site," he said.
During the week the Minister also approved the establishment of an Autistic Spectrum Disorder Unit at Jones Memorial Primary School, Enniskillen.
The proposal will provide support for children with a diagnosis of autism who cannot cope in a mainstream classroom situation on a full-time basis, but could benefit from being placed in an autism specific class attached to the mainstream school.
Commenting on the decision, the Minister said: "The new unit at Jones Memorial Primary School will enable children with autism to access small group teaching and periods of individual support, whilst remaining integrated with their mainstream peers.
"This approach is in line with my Department's aim of educating children with special educational needs within mainstream settings where possible, ensuring they benefit both educationally and socially.
"I wish the Western Education and Library Board and the school the very best for the future as they work to establish the new unit."
(GK/BMcC)
Construction jobs will follow with the new school being built to accommodate up to 175 pupils, on a site on the Sixtowns Road adjacent to where the current school is situated.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister said: "The cutting of this first sod of a new build for St Columba's Primary School is a great day for the village of Straw and its surrounding area.
"This school has been delivering education to the children of the parish of Ballinascreen for over 50 years and is an integral part of the community with strong links to the local people.
"The start of this construction represents an investment of almost £2million by my Department in the future of the children that attend St Columba's Primary School. Since May 2007, 53 major school building projects have been completed across the north, with a further 18 projects on site," he said.
During the week the Minister also approved the establishment of an Autistic Spectrum Disorder Unit at Jones Memorial Primary School, Enniskillen.
The proposal will provide support for children with a diagnosis of autism who cannot cope in a mainstream classroom situation on a full-time basis, but could benefit from being placed in an autism specific class attached to the mainstream school.
Commenting on the decision, the Minister said: "The new unit at Jones Memorial Primary School will enable children with autism to access small group teaching and periods of individual support, whilst remaining integrated with their mainstream peers.
"This approach is in line with my Department's aim of educating children with special educational needs within mainstream settings where possible, ensuring they benefit both educationally and socially.
"I wish the Western Education and Library Board and the school the very best for the future as they work to establish the new unit."
(GK/BMcC)
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12 March 2012
Details Of Major School Building Projects Announced
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., today announced details of 219 new major school building projects which will begin over the next five years as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme. These new projects are in addition to 56 major school building projects that he already announced for 2012.
Details Of Major School Building Projects Announced
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., today announced details of 219 new major school building projects which will begin over the next five years as part of a €2 billion capital investment programme. These new projects are in addition to 56 major school building projects that he already announced for 2012.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
