Ruane in court challenge over school building programme

Catriona Ruane: court challenge

The education minister has been challenged in court over the failure of the government to build a new school for Loreto Grammar in Omagh.

The school was one of 12 which were promised new premises in 2004 by a previous education minister.

Catriona Ruane wants it to be re-built as part of a multi-school complex at Omagh's former Lisanelly Army camp.

Loreto has rejected that proposal and wants a new £14m school to be built on its existing site.

The Department of Education said there was no case to answer as no final decision had been made on Loreto's future. It said the minister could not be bound by the policy of a previous direct rule government.

The judicial review has been adjourned and will recommence on 6 January.