Ulster Unionist Education Spokesperson, Rosemary Barton MLA, has welcomed the latest announcement of capital funding for 25 local schools, but has said that she will contact the Department of Education to ensure funding is used on an equitable basis across the various school sectors.
Rosemary Barton MLA said:
“Any investment and enhancement in the local school estate is good news for the pupils who will benefit from it, so this latest announcement has to be welcomed.
“As a former teacher of over 30 years I know exactly how difficult it is to teach children in classrooms and buildings which are no longer fit for purpose. I am sure that each of the schools that have been successful will be delighted and I wish them every success with their building work and upgrades.
“I note there are 18 primary and post primary schools that have received funds from this latest round; 11 are Catholic Maintained, 6 are Controlled and 1 integrated. I will be following up with the Department to ensure the funding is distributed on an equitable basis. I am aware of a number of schools seeking enhancement for some time but which have not yet received the funding.
“As there were 165 applications received and only 25 have been successful, there will understandably be a lot of disappointment amongst the remaining 140 unsuccessful schools today. I would encourage them to continue their quest for resources to help them enhance their premises. Every child in Northern Ireland deserves the best quality education – no matter how big or small, or old or modern, their school may be.”
