To ask the Minister of Education for an update on the new build of Forge Integrated Primary School.

Mr Givan

The project at Forge Integrated Primary School aims to provide a new-build, 14-classroom integrated primary school at the former Knockbreda High School site in Belfast. That was originally to be funded via the Fresh Start Agreement, but, as a result of the withdrawal of funding, it now sits in my Department's Executive-funded major capital works programme. The design of the new building is progressing, and discussions are ongoing with Belfast City Council and the Department for Infrastructure as part of the pre-application process for the submission of a planning application. Once those actions are complete, the scheme will proceed to procurement and a contractor will be appointed, subject to available funding.

Mr Givan

I understand the frustration with the processes. It has taken a considerable amount of time for the planning process to work its way through, with the pre-application discussion having been submitted to Belfast City Council in 2020. The project is at what we refer to as RIBA stage 3, and the project's integrated consultant team is preparing for a planning submission early next year. Should planning be approved, it is likely that work on the site could commence in 2026 at the earliest. I will caveat that with the observation that, as is the case with all such capital investments, it is subject to getting the appropriate funding.

Mr O'Toole

I will declare an interest as a parent of a child who attends Forge Integrated Primary School. As Paula Bradshaw says, the situation is deeply frustrating not just for the school's leadership but for the wider school community. Money was taken off Forge Integrated Primary School when it expected to get a new school, and now there are significant planning delays in the Department for Infrastructure. I ask the Minister to speak to his colleague the Minister for Infrastructure to finally resolve what is holding up the situation on the DFI side and progress the project. Parents and the wider school community are at their wits' end because of the delay.

Mr Givan

I understand that frustration. It is often expressed to me by communities and those who are in the profession, particularly when there is a hope that something is being achieved where there is a need. The schools that were let down by the United Kingdom Government because of the withdrawal of the Fresh Start funding felt a sense of loss. I stepped in to provide the assurance that they would still be part of my capital works schemes. I very much want to be able to deliver not just for this school but for all the schools that require new builds and school enhancement programmes.