Minister turns down proposal to increase capacity at Drumragh Integrated College, Omagh

Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has turned down a development proposal to increase capacity at Drumragh Integrated College in Omagh.
~ Friday, 12 October 2012

Commenting on the decision, Mr O’Dowd said: “This proposal raised a number of complex issues in the wider Omagh area which demanded careful consideration. A range of factors need to be taken into account to ensure that the pattern of provision reflects future need and provides a network of strong, viable and sustainable schools. The area planning process that is currently under way seeks to do this.

“It is vital that the needs and aspirations of all young people and their parents are taken into account and that each area provides a balanced choice, suited to local demand. Alongside this consideration, I must acknowledge when there is already surplus capacity, as there is in the Omagh locality.

“While Drumragh Integrated College is undoubtedly a popular and oversubscribed school, an increase in the approved enrolment of almost 30% would clearly have a significant impact on other provision in the area.”

The Minister added: “It is also important to note that Drumragh Integrated College has, as recently as 2009, benefitted from significant capital investment from the Department amounting to £22.5 million to provide the school’s current accommodation on a new site. The current school site cannot accommodate expansion and I cannot justify an approval for growth that would inevitably require even further investment and potentially another move to another new site.

“I would stress that this decision is not a reflection on the quality of provision in the school. Rather, it takes account of what is a wide and complex range of factors. Furthermore, it should be remembered that the area planning process for the Omagh area is at an early stage of development and will point the way forward for coherent and fit-for-purpose post-primary provision.”