VIDEO: Stewart Expresses Concerns at Poor Condition of Many East Antrim School Buildings

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has expressed his concern around the poor condition of many school buildings across East Antrim.

Speaking during a debate at the Assembly on the School Estate in East Antrim, Mr Dickson commented: “Much of our school estate, was constructed in the 1950s, with the associated issues that can come with a building of that era.

Mr Dickson added: “Schools such as Larne High, Greenisland Primary and Carrickfergus Academy face major problems with capacity, appropriate facilities, damp and an overall dilapidated school environment. Frustratingly, Islandmagee is still awaiting its new building, years after an amalgamation, and working with a building that does not meet the needs of the school.

“These are not acceptable conditions for children to learn in. Put simply - pupils and staff deserve better.

Mr Dickson concluded: “It is clear to me that investing in our schools and education system must be a top priority moving forward. The new building of Corran Integrated Primary School, is a clear example of what can be achieved, and I hope we will see many more new-builds such as this.

“I am calling on the Education Minister to accelerate the work of the School Enhancement Programme, and engage directly with schools to ensure that we get the school estate in East Antrim to a much better condition as quickly as possible.”