Plans for a long-anticipated new build for Tandragee Junior High School have taken a significant step forward, with confirmation that a technical feasibility report has been completed and a business case is now in development.
The update was provided by Education Minister Paul Givan during a recent session in the Northern Ireland Assembly, in response to a question from Newry & Armagh MLA William Irwin.
Minister Givan confirmed that the integrated consultant team appointed to the project had completed a feasibility report.
This report was subsequently reviewed by the Department of Education’s technical advisers in September of last year.
“The fact that we are moving towards bringing the business case phase to a conclusion is progress,” said Mr Givan. “But, as the Member (Mr Irwin) understands, we still need to progress through a number of stages to the point at which the works will be subject to capital funding being made available.”
In the meantime, the Minister emphasised that the Department remains committed to supporting the school’s current infrastructure.
Since April 2022, the Department has responded to 177 maintenance tasks at Tandragee Junior High, investing around £55,000.
An additional 19 planned maintenance tasks are due to be carried out, with the value of that work estimated to be in the region of £150,000.
Mr Givan also acknowledged Mr Irwin’s ongoing advocacy for schools in his constituency, adding that he would be meeting him to discuss further progress on Markethill High School.
Speaking after the update, Mr Irwin said: “This was another important opportunity to seek the views of the Education Minister on the latest developments in the progression of plans to enable a new school to be constructed for Tandragee Junior High. This school has performed admirably over many decades and hopefully progress can intensify around the compiling of the business case which, when approved, will see another important stage in the process completed.”
He added: “I will continue to lobby for educational resources to be targeted at the constituency and thank the Minister for his efforts in this regard.”
The new build project for Tandragee Junior High School has long been a local priority, with parents, staff and local representatives keen to see modern, fit-for-purpose facilities.
The completion of the business case marks another important step toward turning those ambitions into a reality.
