Education Minister visits Bangor Central Integrated Primary School

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, today visited Bangor Central Integrated Primary School.

The Minister was given a tour of the premises and enjoyed music from the school’s steel band. She also joined in with PE activities in the school playground.

Speaking during the visit, the Minister said: “I have greatly enjoyed my visit to Bangor Central. There is a warm and friendly atmosphere and it is clear that the children enjoy their activities here.

“Bangor Central has delivered high quality primary education for over 50 years, and nurtures an ethos of inclusion and diversity. I commend the staff, governors and parents for their dedication and hard work in delivering an excellent all-round educational experience.”

In relation to the school’s proposed major redevelopment on a site adjacent to its current location, the Minister said: “I want to build and refurbish many more schools but unfortunately do not have the budget to do so as quickly as is needed or as I would like.

“The Executive’s Investment Delivery Plan recognised the need for significant investment in the schools’ estate and listed over 100 new schools which were to be rebuilt.

“In the autumn of 2009 I announced a review of all the capital projects with the Department to ensure that they remained consistent with the policy framework. The findings of this have been provided to me and I will shortly be announcing the outcomes.

“Given the budgetary pressures being faced by my Department I am, unfortunately, not in a position to guarantee at this stage that any new capital projects will be started this year. I continue to investigate all options open to me to provide the much needed investment in new schools.”

Notes to editors:

1. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.