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Minister helps start building work on new schools

Monday, 15 June 2009

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane and Bishop McKeown have commenced the building work at Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock (OLSPCK) and St Joseph’s Primary School in Carryduff.

The new building at St Joseph’s Primary School, costing £5million is due to open in May 2010 whilst OLSPCK’s £22million new build on the current site, is due to open in 2011.

Speaking after the joint sod-cutting ceremony at OLSPCK, the Education Minister said: “This is a momentous day for the pupils of Our Lady and St Patrick’s. Planning for this school began some time ago and it is with great pleasure I am here today to see the work begin."

The work on St Joseph’s Primary School in Carryduff also commenced today. Speaking after the ceremony to mark the start of the work, Ms Ruane said: “The provision of new facilities here at St Joseph’s will help meet the educational needs of over 400 pupils in the Carryduff and surrounding area. Modern learning facilities are essential for schools to educate their pupils in an environment which will prepare them for a post-primary setting.”

The Minister went on to say: “There are major, dynamic changes happening in education. I have access to more public money than previous Education Ministers - every day of every week, we spend £5million across the north which will lead to better educational outcomes for all children and young people.

“For both schools, today marks the culmination of years of hard work and determination from stakeholders, principals and officials to bring these projects a step closer to providing modern learning facilities for over 1,600 pupils in the north.”

Notes to Editors:

  1. St Joseph’s Primary School, Carryduff is a co-educational maintained primary school with a projected long-term enrolment of 435 and has a nursery unit providing 52 part-time places.
  2. Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock is a Diocesan co-educational Voluntary Grammar School with a projected long-term enrolment of 1,260 for the 11–18 year age group.
  3. Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.