South Armagh primary school gets £1.5m funding boost

A south Armagh school has been boosted by news of a £1.5m investment grant.

Killean Primary School received the funding as part of a £35m investment by the Education Minister John O’Dowd.

It is part of the School Enhancement Programme (SEP).

MLA Megan Fearon said the funding was further proof of the Minister’s commitment to the area.

“I’m delighted that Killean Primary School has been approved for such a substantial grant,” she said.

“This is an already stellar school and the this funding will allow the building to be modernised and extended so that it reflects and enhances the service already given to the local community by the excellent teachers and staff.

“This investment is also further proof of Minister O’Dowd’s commitment to investing in the youth of this area.  We have already seen tens of millions invested here by the Minister through new builds for St Joseph’s Crossmaglen, Forkhill Primary School, Drumintee primary School, St Joseph’s Convent and St Claire’s Abbey Primary to name a few.

“My congratulations to the staff and pupils of Killean PS on this well deserved funding.”

Minister O’Dowd said the SEP was an investment in our young people.

“This £35m investment is an investment in the future of our young people. The improved and new accommodation will provide better facilities for young people to learn in and an improved working environment for all the school staff,” he said.

“Ongoing investment in our schools’ estate is essential if we are to continue to provide a high quality education and today’s announcement has been made possible by an increase in the DE capital budget of £46.9m or 32% in FY16/17.

“Thirty four SEP projects are already in construction or have been completed.  Construction work for these 12 additional projects will proceed in the FY16/17 financial year.  Of course, this level of investment also provides a significant boost for the local construction industry and in turn, the local economy.”

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