Officials insist proper procedures were followed for Lisneal College’s £710k funding amid scrutiny after a DUP meeting
Derry: Recently, the Belfast Telegraph reported on a £710k grant for Lisneal College. This funding is for a new football pitch. It was approved after a private meeting with DUP ministers.
Most schools in Derry that applied for funding were turned down. Only two schools received funding, but their allocations were paused. The Department of Education defines major works as costing over £500,000.
The Department stated that the pitch is a “minor work” project. This means it can be approved without a formal funding call. The artificial grass pitch is located right across from Lisneal College.
Several MLAs are asking Education Minister Paul Givan for clarification. Questions will be raised in the Assembly about this funding decision.
On Friday night, the Education Authority issued a statement. They wanted to clarify the situation regarding the football pitch repairs at Lisneal College.
The Authority emphasized that normal procedures were followed for minor capital works. They stated that this project was not a response to any funding application or recent discussions.
Each year, many minor capital projects are funded to help children and young people. The Department of Education allocates a budget for these projects annually.
For 2024/25, the Education Authority received £29 million for hundreds of projects. The funding for Lisneal College is typical for projects of this nature.
The £710k grant has sparked controversy. It was approved after a private meeting between the school’s principal and DUP members.
Nick Mathison, chair of Stormont’s education committee, is seeking clarity on this decision. He plans to submit urgent questions to the minister about his reasoning.
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has met with school leaders in her area. They are pleading for basic repairs to their schools and demand transparency in funding allocations.
However, the Education Authority noted that a health and safety inspection in December 2019 found the pitch needed replacement. It was marked as a priority due to injury risks and has been out of use since then.
A feasibility report was done in May 2022, and a business case was submitted in June 2022. Planning permission was granted in November 2023, and a construction tender was awarded in December 2024. This timeline is standard for such projects.
