AQW 39021/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 26/01/2026
Answered On Date: 13/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 37562/22-27, to detail any outstanding legal issues that prevent the site from being placed on the open market for sale.

Answer:

The EA is proceeding to place this property on the open market, despite certain burdens remaining on the title.

The site comprises two plots. The front plot, which borders the Portaferry Road, previously accommodated the former Castle Gardens School (now demolished), and is subject to an Educational Trust. The trust conditions primarily restrict the use of this portion of the land to a public elementary school, or other education related purposes.

Although it has been established that the freehold title is held by the Post Office for the second plot, they have not confirmed their interest despite repeated attempts to engage with them.