Education Minister Paul Givan Announces Major Investments in Education
On April 29, 2026, Education Minister Paul Givan announced significant investments in school construction projects during a visit to Fairview Primary School. The initiative aims to address the urgent needs of schools in poor condition across the region.
Givan revealed that four major works projects and nine school enhancement projects will move forward to the construction stage. The total capital investment for these major works exceeds £130 million over four years, while the enhancement projects will receive just over £50 million over three years.
The major works projects include:
- Enniskillen Royal Grammar School
- Priory Integrated College
- Dunclug College
- St Malachy’s Primary School
In addition, the enhancement projects cover a range of institutions:
- Lurgan College
- Greenhaw Primary School
- Antrim Primary School
- Fairview Primary School
- Ballyclare Primary School
- Chapel Road Primary School
- Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School Belfast
- St Bride’s Primary School, Belfast
- St Mary’s Primary School, Newtownbutler
Many of these initiatives have been in planning for several years. Givan emphasized that proceeding to construction stage will be welcome news not only for the schools but also for the wider construction industry.
The Minister stated, “I have today agreed to release a small number of major works and school enhancement projects to construction stage.” He added that these projects aim to address immediate and pressing needs through refurbishment or extension works. The push for increased and sustained capital investment across the Schools’ Estate is critical.
The focus on public legal education also remains strong, with initiatives aimed at improving coordination and delivery. Advocates stress that public legal education gives people the confidence, skills, and knowledge to understand their rights and responsibilities—an essential element for a fair society.
