Department ‘committed’ to completion of Omagh campus by 2026

A SENIOR official at the Department for Education with special responsibility for Omagh’s Strule Education Campus has expressed disappointment at the slow progress on the multi-million scheme.

The campus was originally due to be opened three years ago, but is not expected to be fully operational until September 2027.

Omagh CBS, Loreto Grammar School, Sacred Heart College, Omagh High School and Omagh Academy are all due to move to the new campus when it is eventually completed.

John Smith, deputy secretary at the Department for Education, says the tendering process ended in September, 2022, four months late.

talks ongoing

But he added that talks are ongoing with the one firm who tendered for the work, which is now estimated to be costing more than £200 million.

“Construction will not be in a position to commence before spring 2024, with completion now scheduled for September 2026,” Mr Smith said.

“I understand that this is not the timeframe we were ambitiously striving towards and it is disappointing for everyone.

“However, I want to assure you the department remains committed to the SSEC (Strule Special Education Campus) programme and my team and I are continuing to work diligently to maintain momentum and ultimately deliver SSEC.”

Mr Smith said that the bidder who submitted the only tender has now agreed to meet with the Department to negotiate and explore where cost savings and ‘tender refinement’ can be achieved. “This is now underway and it will take a minimum of 12 weeks to conclude.”