AQO 2732/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 04/11/2021
Answered On Date: 16/11/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the measures being taken to accelerate the replacement of the mobile classroom accommodation at St Columbanus’ College, Bangor.

Answer:

I am informed that a modular classroom for Technology and Design and a general modular classroom should be on site in early March 2022. These are being provided to replace two condemned mobile classrooms at the School.

Delivery was initially planned for January 2022, but has been delayed due to the steel supply shortages affecting the wider construction industry, which in turn is impacting on the provision of these units.

My officials, along with colleagues from the Education Authority and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, met with the school on 14 October 2021. The school was updated on the situation and has agreed to put contingency arrangements in place until March 2022.

I accept that it is far from ideal that these contingency arrangements will involve pupils continuing to use the Assembly Hall for Technology, Environmental and Science subjects. However, I can assure you that the Education Authority is working closely with the Contractor to ensure the new modular units are delivered and in place as soon as possible.

I am visiting St Columbanus’ College on 23 November 2021 and will have the opportunity to discuss accommodation issues with the school then.