To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the former Tullycarnet Primary school site, including (i) any plans for the site; and (ii) any engagement that has taken place with the local community in the last 12 months.

As the former Tullycarnet Primary School was a controlled school, this site remains the responsibility of the Education Authority (EA) as the managing authority.

The EA has advised it is actively progressing with the pre-construction phase for the creation of a dual campus special school. This is now at an advanced stage, with detailed drawing packages having been prepared by the design team. The next stage will be submitting a planning application, at which point the public will be able to comment. In parallel to this, it is still EA’s intention to redraw the internal boundary with the operational site of the EA-owned Kings Road Nursery School to the rear, to permanently secure the area that has recently been occupied for Forest School activities.

The EA is represented on the Tullycarnet Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership and has been for a number of years. Regular updates have been provided to the Partnership on the EA’s redevelopment plans.