COLLEGIATE Grammar School is one of five Fermanagh schools set to benefit from a Department of Education investment worth over £1.1 million.

The grammar school in Enniskillen is included in a Western Education and Library Board (WELB) proposal which could see it amalgamate with Portora Royal, should it receive backing from the Education Minister, John O'Dowd.

But it has been outlined to have modular music accommodation worth over £150,000 installed as part of the investment project.

St Comghall’s College, Lisnaskea; St Columban’s Primary School, Belcoo; St Ronan’s Primary School, Lisnaskea and St Naile’s Primary School, Enniskillen will all also undergo minor works over the coming months.

The investment will include a range of works such as refurbishment of kitchen, work on heating systems, toilet upgrades and fire safety measures.

Collegiate Grammar will have modular music accommodation installed. The contract has been awarded to Western Building Systems, Coalisland. The total approved cost of the project is £151,500.

St Comghall’s College, Lisnaskea will have work done to upgrade its heating system. The total approved cost of the project is £316,335.

St Columban’s Primary School, Belcoo will have modifications for pupils with special educational needs. The contract has been awarded to Lowry Building & Civil Engineering Ltd, Castlederg. The total approved cost of the project is £117,500.

St Ronan’s Primary School, Lisnaskea will have the school meals kitchen refurbished and the heating system upgraded. The total approved cost of the project is £343,372.

St Naile’s Primary School, Enniskillen will have fire safety works done. The total approved cost of the project is £130,299.

Speaking about the funding announcement, Education Minister John O’Dowd said: “A total of 131 minor works projects amounting to over £10million were agreed in September across all board areas. Of these projects, 65 are in the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) area, amounting to almost £4.4 million.” Minor works are schemes costing less than £500,000 and are projects ranging from minor repair to more significant work projects and extensions.

In conclusion the Minister said: “I am confident that the substantial investment in minor works projects will continue to help in the drive to improve educational standards in addition to providing a boost to the local construction industry. The completion of all of these works will ultimately provide better facilities for our children and young people to learn in and an improved working environment for teachers and other school staff.”