Fears for viability of mixed school campus as tendering halted

MLAS voiced concern yesterday after it emerged that the province’s largest school building project had been suspended.

Officials paused the process following the withdrawal of a bidder from the procurement process for the Strule Shared Education Campus in Omagh.

The Department of Education said that the decision came amid budget uncertainty over the next year and beyond.

Six schools are due to move to the former Army base and use shared sports and other facilities.

In September last year officials warned that the provisional ‘golive’ date for SSEC had been put back until September 2021.

But in a letter to SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan, a senior official said: “Earlier this week the Department of Education received correspondence indicating a bidder’s withdrawal from this tender process.

“As a matter of urgency, we are assessing the implications for the ongoing viability of the procurement of this contract.

“As a result, the decision has been taken to suspend this procurement process as we take stock of the situation.

“This is a disappointing development; however, the department remains fully committed to delivering the educationally and strategically significant SSEC programme and we will work closely with our stakeholders, including the local construction industry, to mitigate any impact.”

Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley has come under pressure to pass a budget from Westminster following the collapse of talks to restore power-sharing at Stormont.

Many public services are struggling to plan amid the financial uncertainty.

The official’s letter was published by Mr McCrossan, who said: “A further delay throws the viability of the entire project into doubt.

“This is a critical development for the north west. It should provide a boost for the construction industry, create new jobs and advance shared education in our communities.

“It’s imperative that we do all we can to protect and advance the project.”

West Tyrone DUP MLA Tom Buchanan described the decision to pause the work as “disappointing”.

He said: “Some school buildings are not fit for purpose in Omagh, as they await the completion of their respective buildings on the campus. This pause on the Strule Campus will result in frustration by the entire school community.

“While it was good to see the opening of Arvalee Special School on the site in 2016, it is important that progress is now made on the relocation of the other five schools in the project.

“Children and young people should be a priority and their educational needs are paramount.”

Mr Buchanan said that he had secured a meeting with the department next week.

He added: “Hopefully this will be a short pause on the project.”