The official beginning of construction for the Strule Shared Education Campus in Omagh was marked today (Thursday, 15th May) with a sod-cutting ceremony attended by First Minister Michelle O'Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and Education Minister Paul Givan. 

Joined by staff, pupils, and invited guests at the 140-acre site, the ceremony signified a major step forward for the project which will bring together over 4,000 children and young people from six schools and from all backgrounds onto a modern and vibrant campus. The schools will collaborate to provide a shared curriculum and extra-curricular activities while retaining their individual identities and ethos. 

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "This is a hugely positive day for Omagh and for Tyrone as we mark the start of construction on the Strule Shared Education Campus. As an Executive we provided £150million additional funding to drive this long-awaited project forward." She added: "There is no doubt this Campus will bring significant benefits to the local community. It will provide state-of-the-art facilities and access to the first-class opportunities that our young people deserve. Most important of all will be everything that will happen inside with the sharing of space, learning, culture, heritage and history. All of this will help lay the path to a shared future in which everyone is respected and valued equally."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly commented: "Strule Shared Education Campus has always been regarded as a vision for the future of education in Northern Ireland and today is an important milestone in that journey. Shared education is about bringing people closer together and this campus will be a place where children and young people from different backgrounds can learn together in a positive learning environment which encourages respect for all." She noted that the campus would also serve as a hub for the wider community and looked forward to its opening in 2028.

Education Minister Paul Givan described the project as a major investment: "Strule represents a major investment in the future of shared education in the west. Today's sod-cutting ceremony marks a significant day in the progress of the project and demonstrates my commitment to delivering the benefits that shared education offers to our young people. This new campus will provide a vibrant and dynamic learning environment where all pupils can thrive together." Minister Givan also highlighted the economic benefits, including hundreds of jobs and apprenticeship opportunities, and paid tribute to the school leaders and stakeholders involved. 

Construction of the Strule Shared Education Campus commenced in February 2025 and is currently set to open to pupils in September 2028.