On April 29, 2026, Education Minister Paul Givan visited Fairview Primary School to announce substantial investments in school construction projects. These initiatives aim to address urgent needs in schools that have suffered from years of neglect.
During his visit, Givan revealed plans for four major works projects and nine school enhancement projects. The total capital investment for these initiatives exceeds £130 million for major works and over £50 million for enhancements, distributed over the next few years.
Key projects include:
- Enniskillen Royal Grammar School
- Priory Integrated College
- Dunclug College
- St Malachy’s Primary School
This announcement comes at a crucial time, as many of these projects have been in planning for years. Givan emphasized that the intention behind these investments is to refurbish or extend facilities that are currently in exceptionally poor condition. He stated, “I have today agreed to release a small number of major works and school enhancement projects to construction stage.”
The enhancements will benefit several local schools, including Lurgan College and Greenhaw Primary School. The Minister believes this move will be welcomed not only by the schools but also by the wider construction industry, which has faced challenges in recent times.
The school enhancement projects include:
- Lurgan College
- Greenhaw Primary School
- Antrim Primary School
- Fairview Primary School
- Ballyclare Primary School
- Chapel Road Primary School
- Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School Belfast
- St Bride’s Primary School, Belfast
- St Mary’s Primary School, Newtownbutler
The commitment to increased and sustained capital investment across the Schools’ Estate reflects a growing recognition of the need for improved educational facilities. Givan remarked, “Proceeding to construction stage will be very welcome news for the schools, pupils and wider school communities concerned and for the wider construction industry.”
This investment not only addresses immediate infrastructural needs but also supports broader goals such as public legal education and vocational courses that are vital for equipping students with necessary skills. As these projects move forward, communities can expect a transformation in their local educational environments, fostering better learning conditions for future generations.
