Foyle College and Ebrington are a priority

Derry City Council has called on Education Minister John O’Dowd to make the relocation and redevelopment of Foyle and Londonderry College and Ebrington Primary School a main priority.

A motion by DUP Alderman April Garfield-Kidd gained cross party support and was passed unanimously at this week’s monthly meeting.

Mrs Garfield-Kidd said that at present both schools were operating in buildings that were wholly inadequate of the provision of education in this day and age.

“The relocation would ensure that the students in both locations would be educated alongside their peers in state-of-the-art facilities and to a standard that is deemed the norm for many of our pupils in this city,” she said.

“The move would also reduce the economic strain that the WELB endures due to the provision and upkeep of three campuses.

“Surely the most logical and sensible resolution to this ongoing delay would be to move both schools to one location at the earliest opportunity, especially since the land has already been purchased, the plans drawn up and both principals are ready to move.

“The relocation would also enable the University of Ulster to expand their facilities as they have already publicly expressed a desire to purchase and develop the College grounds.

“Any further delay may result in the University looking elsewhere outside of the city for their expansion plans and the ongoing inappropriate housing of students in unsuitable buildings that are not fit for purpose in this day and age.”

Sinn Fein supported the proposal, although they warned that John O’Dowd was limited by financial constraints.

Councillor Colm Kelly said that the minister had to ensure that capital funds available had to be deployed on a strategic basis.

“The Minister has stated publicly on several occasions that he will be using the coming weeks to consider how best to utilize the limited capital funds at his disposal,” he said.

“And he will make an announcement on Foyle, Ebrington and his department’s other capital projects in September.

“Whilst the minister recognises the needs of Foyle and Ebrington - as does Sinn Fein as a party - the fact is that unless the Executive can provide additional resources for education, there simply will not be enough money to take forward all the department’s capital projects.

“In supporting the motion we would urge Councillor Garfield-Kidd to press her party colleague and Finance Minister Sammy Wilson to ensure that sufficient funds are provided to the Education Minister so Foyle, Ebrington can go ahead.”