Construction has begun on a new £7.7 million school building for Gaelscoil Uí Néill in Coalisland, County Tyrone.

Education Minister Paul Givan attended a sod-cutting ceremony at the Gortgonis Road site to mark the start of work. The project will deliver a seven-classroom primary school and a single-unit nursery.

The development had been listed as a major capital project since January 2013. Completion is expected in spring 2028.

Speaking at the event, Minister Givan said the investment would provide long-term benefits for pupils, staff and the wider school community through improved facilities and enhanced opportunities for teaching and learning. He noted that schools play a central role in communities and must offer welcoming and inspiring spaces.

Gaelscoil Uí Néill principal, Mr McPhillips, described the ceremony as an exciting milestone. He said the new building would provide an inspiring environment where young people can thrive and achieve their potential. He paid tribute to everyone involved in the planning and hard work leading to the project.

The Department of Education said KnoxClayton is the appointed Integrated Consultant Team. Connolly and Fee was appointed as the Integrated Supply Team in March 2022 following a construction procurement process.

Separately, the Department of Education has published the first statutory Key Stage assessment outcomes in literacy and numeracy in over 20 years. The assessments, conducted by CCEA, involved more than 12,000 pupils in Years 4, 7 and 10 across 358 schools. Minister Givan said the results show a clear need for reform and sustained action to raise standards.