Debate contribution: Schools: Amalgamation Support

Debate contribution by Mr Colin McGrath on 2 February 2026.

MLA: Mr Colin McGrath
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 2 February 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Schools: Amalgamation Support
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5356586

Text

I thank the Minister for his answer. I asked the question on the basis that those schools come together and amalgamate and take the leap as we try to reduce the capital footprint of schools across the North in order to save money and redirect it to the classroom. Many of those schools, including Lecale Trinity Grammar School in Downpatrick, need a small amount of capital investment in order to make them more sustainable. In this instance, there are two buildings where a small connecting corridor would link them together as one building, which would save children having to walk in the rain, snow, across ice or whatever from one class to the next. I ask the Minister to revisit that decision in order to determine whether there is some way of helping that school.

135 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Oral question AQO 3028/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

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