News Release Page Title

14 July 2004

EDUCATION OPTION FOR MAGHERAFELT SECURITY BASE BRINGS SOCIAL REGENERATION SAYS PEARSON

Ian Pearson, MP, the Minister responsible for the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative (RRI), today told an SDLP delegation that he stood by his decision to transfer the former security base in Magherafelt to the North Eastern Education and Library Board, saying that the decision would provide much needed social regeneration in the area.

The ownership of this former Royal Irish Regiment site transferred to the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister as part of the RRI - the gifting to the then Executive of a number of former prisons and security bases. These included army barracks at Magherafelt, Ebrington and Windsor Park in Belfast, the Maze prison and adjacent Long Kesh army base, and the Crumlin Road gaol.

Following his meeting with the delegation, Ian Pearson said: "I understand the desire to have a wood working design centre located at the site, but the proposal from the Magherafelt Business Forum (MBF) is not currently viable. I have today reaffirmed my decision to transfer the site to the North Eastern Education and Library Board, who will work with the Department of Education to take forward their plans for the relocation of the local primary and nursery schools and for a new pre-school facility. This option will provide social regeneration within the area, bringing together a range of early years provisions in an innovative way."

The Minister added: "I am glad that the MBF is working with Invest Northern Ireland to explore how the design centre can be accommodated elsewhere within the Magherafelt area.

"I repeat my invitation to the District Council to consider options for the future use of the current primary school site once it becomes available, which would maximise the benefits to the local community. I look forward to receiving those proposals in due course."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. A delegation from the council met with the Minister on 10 March 2004, during which the Minister explained his decision on the former RIR base in Magherafelt. See press release dated 10 March 2004 on www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk
    2. for details.

  2. For further information on the RRI please visit www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/rri

  3. Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office, tel. 028 9052 2659.

    Click here to print this press release.