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BBC News NI education and arts correspondent Robbie Meredith reported that a substantial number of schools in Northern Ireland are currently in a state of disrepair, requiring an estimated £800 million for necessary maintenance. A recent report by assembly members on Stormont’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) highlighted that the school maintenance backlog poses a potential risk to the health and safety of both students and staff. The Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) had previously identified that many schools were in need of significant repair. Education Minister Paul Givan acknowledged the concerns raised in the PAC report and expressed his commitment to ensuring that all children receive their education in a safe and modern environment.
The PAC report exposed a systemic failure in the management of Northern Ireland’s school estate, which comprises over 1,100 schools. It revealed that children and teachers are operating in overcrowded, poorly heated, and deteriorating structures. The Department of Education (DE) and Education Authority (EA) were criticized for adopting a reactive approach rather than developing a clear plan for maintaining school buildings. The PAC labeled this as an example of poor governance and deemed the department’s strategy as unsustainable, ineffective, and economically wasteful. The committee estimated the school maintenance backlog to fall between £600 million and £800 million, urging for more regular condition surveys and a comprehensive strategy from DE.
Principal Emma Quinn of Rathcoole Primary School in County Antrim voiced her ongoing concerns about the maintenance issues plaguing her school, stating that the continuous backlog for repairs remains troubling. She emphasized the challenge of managing works, reporting leaks, faulty toilets, and broken windows while striving to prioritize quality learning and teaching. Mercy College principal, Martin Moreland, echoed similar sentiments, describing the problems with heating, lighting, and roof leaks at his school as unacceptable. While awaiting a new building, Moreland expressed the financial burden of maintaining an old school infrastructure, enduring frequent breakdowns of essential systems.
The Education Authority responded to the PAC report, acknowledging the financial challenges faced by the education sector due to recurring budget shortfalls. Routine maintenance of the school estate is restricted, with only urgent repairs being conducted. Despite the limitations, the Education Authority stated that it is addressing the £29 million statutory remedial backlog highlighted in the report. Education Minister Paul Givan emphasized the urgent need for investment in the schools’ estate and highlighted the chronic underinvestment in school infrastructure over the years, particularly in Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision. Givan stressed the importance of securing the necessary investment with cross-party support to improve the condition of the schools estate
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