Written question asked by Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 13 December 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 December 2006. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 December 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

School Building

Question: (2) when the (a) Rainey Endowed School, (b) Magherafelt High School, (c) Ballyclare Controlled Primary School and (d) Straid Controlled Primary School new build is to commence; and what the completion date is in each case.

Answer: In regard to Magherafelt Primary School and Magherafelt High School, the North Eastern Education and Library Board have advised that work could start on site in September 2007 and December 2007 with estimated completion in early 2009 and end 2009 respectively. The board has stated, however, that due to a possible problem with the proposed site for Magherafelt P.S., the dates for this school may be subject to change.The Department of Education is currently examining the Outline Business Case for Rainey Endowed School and Ballymoney High School which are part of a PPP cluster. Subject to confirmation of the Business Case, it is anticipated that construction could commence in 2009 with completion in 2010.As Ballyclare PS and Straid PS have not received approval for capital funding it is not possible to indicate commencement dates for new builds.I would also advise that the Government have accepted the recommendation from the Strategic Review of Education that previously announced capital projects currently under way will be reviewed for their consistency with an area-based planning approach. The review will be undertaken quickly to avoid introducing unnecessary delays.

Secondary information