Latest annual report unveils sustainability concerns at facilities

The following schools have this year been identified as having sustainability issues:

Antrim and Newtownabbey — Primary Straid PS

Tír na nÓg PS

St Macnissi’s PS

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon — Primary Derryhale PS

Mullavilly PS

Foley PS

St Michael’s PS (Clady)

*The Action Plan plan includes schools where sustainability is now an issue but also some schools which are sustainable. Therefore two schools not shown on the list are currently sustainable and as it is these schools may form part of the solution to issues in the area.

by any change and will explore all possible options. The report also points out that the inclusion of the named school or area does not mean that there will be a development proposal, or if there is a proposal, that this will be approved automatically.

Each proposal will be considered against “robust and verifiable information”, with the Minister (or the Permanent Secretary in the absence of a Minister) Causeway Coast and

Glens — Primary Barnish PS Ballyhackett PS Causeway Coast and Glens — Post-primary Coleraine College Dunluce HS

North Coast IC Fermanagh and Omagh — Primary St John the Baptist PS

Lisburn and Castlereagh — Post-primary Laurelhill CC

having the final sign-off. However, the last Education Minister before the collapse of Stormont says that for such major proposals, there should be ministerial oversight.

DUP MLA Peter Weir also urged the EA to work closely with local communities over the proposals.

“There is a need for reform in the education system, particularly during a difficult financial situation,” he said.

“However, we also need to ensure the best educational outcomes for our schools and the pupils within each school. There are a number of factors which need to be considered in this. Lisnagarvey HS

Mid Ulster — Primary Ballytrea PS

Coagh PS Stewartstown PS Desertmartin PS

Mid and East Antrim — Primary St Brigid’s PS St Colmcille’s PS Fourtowns PS Groggan PS Longstone PS

Upper Ballyboley PS

“There needs to be real and meaningful engagement with communities. The Education Authority must ensure that any future proposals are right for the school community, pupils and staff.

“The worst outcome for schools is when there is an axe hanging over a school with no decision. The EA should be cognisant of this.

“With any seismic reform of this nature, there should really be Ministerial oversight. Four out of the five main parties would restore the Executive tomorrow but Sinn Fein feel the Irish language is more important than fixing education.”