McGimpsey demands immediate start to Taughmonagh Primary Development
Ulster Unionist South Belfast assembly member, and BELB member, Michael McGimpsey, has today led a delegation to meet with BELB chiefs to demand the rebuilding of Taughmonagh Primary.
The delegation, which comprised of Cllr Bob Stoker, Taughmonagh Primary school principal Janet Dowds, and local community association representatives Harry Smith, Marie McGarry and Allison Robinson met with BELB chief executive David Cargo at the board’s Academy Street headquarters.
In a statement, Mr McGimpsey said: “Taughmonagh has been largely demolished for the redevelopment of Harburton special needs school. At the moment, children find themselves in the intolerable situation of being housed in huts and temporary classrooms with no playground facilities available.
“On my proposal last Christmas, the Education and Library Board passed the proposal to rebuild Taughmonagh primary. And yet the school was not included in Maria Eagle’s recent school building programme announcement. Teachers, parents and children are desperately disappointment and demand delivery on the works promised.”
He added: “Work on this building must be started soon – children can’t be expected to endure another Christmas in mobile classrooms.
“The decision is there – so why has there been a lack of will from the department in implementing it?”