Construction BUSINESS

Education Minister Paul Givan has revealed that ten new-build integrated school projects in Northern Ireland are facing delays due to the withdrawal of funding by Westminster. The setback is attributed to a reallocation of £150 million from the Fresh Start Programme to the UK Government’s financial settlement for the Executive, which is intended for broader public sector transformation. However, Minister Givan announced that seven school projects are set to progress in the planning phase this week, despite the funding crunch affecting ten potential new build projects in the planning and design stage.

While the Department of Education assured that none of the projects was cancelled, they acknowledged the impact of the funding situation. The affected projects, including the Millennium Integrated Primary School project, will be incorporated into the Department’s major capital works program. They will continue progressing in planning, with construction slated to begin once funding becomes available. The DE spokesperson emphasized that the remaining Fresh Start funding will allow the nine projects currently in construction contract to be completed, preventing any disruption to ongoing building work.

In response to the funding challenges, Minister Givan has written to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, urging the restoration of funding to support these projects. Despite the hurdles, he remains committed to securing additional capital resources from the Executive’s Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. The Minister is dedicated to advocating for the necessary financial support to ensure the successful progression of these crucial integrated school projects.

Source: Belfast Telegraph

Image Source: Paul Givan – Wikipedia