Ruane moves forward work on a shared educational campus

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has chaired the first meeting of the steering group overseeing the work to develop a shared educational campus at the former military base at Lisanelly in Omagh.

Speaking after the meeting Minister Caitríona Ruane said: “The development of the Lisanelly site offers an unprecedented opportunity to provide first-class educational facilities for nearly 3,000 children within a shared campus. There are currently five schools exploring the possibility of relocating including four Post-Primary schools and a Special school, covering the voluntary grammar, controlled and maintained sectors.

“Work is now required to develop the next stages of the project which will include engaging technical and architect expertise to develop the detailed investigation and design work for the site, the cost of which will be around £2million. I know there is widespread support for the development and have set up this steering group in order to maintain the momentum and oversee the next steps of the programme. The regeneration of the site has the potential to bring educational, economic and community benefits to the greater Omagh area.

“I would like to thank everyone for attending and working together towards the goal of achieving a shared educational campus at Lisanelly.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The meeting was hosted in Arvalee School and Resource Centre, Education.

2. Lisanelly site is currently in the ownership of the Ministry of Defence. The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is pursuing the issue of gifting of the site to the devolved administration.

3. Included on the steering group are representatives from:-

• Department of Education
• Department for Social Development
• Lisanelly Education Campus Working Group
• Western Education Library Board
• Omagh District Council
• Strategic Investment Board
• Comhairle nc Gaelscolaíochta
• Council for Catholic Maintained Schools

4. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9755. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.