AQW 40944/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 18/02/2026
Answered On Date: 23/02/2026
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any immediate actions the Education Authority plan to take to restore safe conditions for learning and dining at St Francis' Primary School, Drumaroad, following the recent environmental health inspection that resulted in the condemnation of the school's canteen.

Answer:

The Education Authority has scoped the works required to the dining mobile unit

and these works are expected to be delivered within the next 10–14 days as urgent maintenance business. In the interim, packed lunches are being provided to the school.

Planning approval has been received for a scheme to provide a purpose-built multi-purpose hall at the school. This will include school meals accommodation and would replace the current dining mobile unit. The design team is currently preparing a scope for archaeological works, which must be undertaken prior to construction. A decision to release the project to construction tender will be taken based on the prioritisation and the budget available at that time.