Consultation on Omagh school site

It is hoped up to six Omagh schools would move to the new campus

People in County Tyrone have been urged to take part in public consultation on the Lisanelly Shared Campus in Omagh.

The Department of Education hopes that up to six schools could relocate to the former army barracks site.

Last year it was announced that £2.1m had been allocated by the department and the Strategic Investment Board for the development.

On Tuesday, the education minister said that some new schools would not be built because of budget constraints.

Caitriona Ruane said she would write to the schools individually.

Sixty-nine schools are waiting to hear if their building work will go ahead. If all the schools were built, it would cost £500m.

'Excellence'

The public consultation process for the Omagh campus was launched on 21 June by the Lisanelly Shared Education Campus Working Group.

"With the Lisanelly Campus we are aiming to not just construct new buildings but also build a community," said the education minister.

"With vision and foresight we have the opportunity to create something that is extraordinary and not just ordinary. A campus built on equality and excellence where future generations of children and young people learn the skills and confidence to succeed.

"This project is a priority for both me and my department. I have been greatly impressed by the work to date from the designers.

"What is clear is that the schools of this area, by working together, have the opportunity to access facilities that would not be deliverable on their own."

People can contact the steering group by emailing [e-mail]