Governors Press Education Authority Over Nine-Year Closure of Belfast School Hall
The board of governors at Rosetta Primary School in Belfast contacted Education Minister Paul Givan and the Education Authority regarding the assembly hall. The issue dates back nine years. The roof requires steel props for support. Doors remain chained and padlocked. The school enrols nearly 300 pupils.
Principal Donal McGarrigle reported that certain pupils have never accessed the hall. The closure prevents full delivery of physical education as required by regulations. Assemblies, achievement events, packed lunches and parent meetings cannot take place there. Social opportunities for pupils suffer as a result.
Governors noted repeated missed deadlines, uneven communications and postponed reports despite ongoing discussions and inspections. Chair Elaine Campbell stated that the minister and elected officials visited and deemed the hall's state unacceptable. The board called the arrangement unsustainable and sought a schedule for fixes.
Parent Charlene Hegarty described the hall's absence since her two children started attending. Pupils miss communal activities including performances, peer interactions and physical education sessions.
Alliance MLAs Kate Nicholl and Paula Bradshaw criticised the Education Authority's slow progress on repairs.
The Education Authority acknowledged school concerns amid budget constraints and repair delays across facilities. Officials placed the project high on the list and hired an outside team led by architects for a full assessment. This step will yield a priced plan, followed by planning submission and preparation for contractors.