Minister announces more significant progress on the Lisanelly Shared Educational Campus

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has highlighted significant progress in developing a Shared Education Campus in Omagh.

The Minister was speaking following the second meeting of the Lisanelly Shared Educational Campus Steering Group.

The Minister said: "Significant work has been completed in moving this exciting project to the next stage of development. The process to appoint a Programme Director based in Omagh is underway and we are tendering contracts for design, financial, legal and technical teams to bring this project to life.

“An intensive period of work lies ahead of us as the parents, pupils, schools, teachers and the wider community engage with the design team to create their educational campus. This is a locally led, locally owned project and it is up to the people of Omagh and the surrounding areas to make the key decisions that will determine the shape of this valuable asset which will sit at the heart of the community.”

Notes to Editors:

1. On 22 April the Lisanelly Educational Campus Steering Group announced that some £2.1million had been allocated by the Department of Education and Strategic Investment Board Ltd to be used for the development of a Shared Educational Campus in Omagh. Up to six schools may relocate to the new Campus.

2. A tendering process has been initiated for the exemplar design, financial, legal and technical teams to develop the campus model. These teams will be appointed between now and September. The design process is due to be completed by September 2010.

3. Media queries, contact 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.