Education Minister condemns latest arson attack

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has condemned an arson attack on an Irish-medium school in Castlewellan.

Three mobile classrooms at Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche, including the Naiscoil (nursery), have been completely destroyed in an overnight fire.

Ms Ruane said: “I am appalled that over the summer months, there have been a number of attacks on schools across the north. These attacks are an affront to everyone in the community as they disrupt the education and well being of our young people.

“These attacks result in scarce public resources having to be spent on repairs and rebuilding instead of being used for other programmes benefiting everyone.

“Plans for a new building at Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche are being progressed and planning permission has just been granted. However, in the meantime my Department is working closely with the South Eastern Education and Library Board and the school to make alternative arrangements as quickly as possible to minimise the impact on the education of the children.”

Notes to Editors:

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