Holy Cross principal ‘concerned’ over spiralling energy costs

THE principal of Holy Cross College has spoken of his fears over ‘a lack of guidance’ when it comes to energy costs, after it was revealed that the school’s energy bills have risen by more than 100 per-cent since January.

Ciaran Johnston, recently appointed as principal of the college, says he is very concerned about the spiralling costs’ inevitable impact on his budget.

Earlier this year, the Department of Education warned that schools in the North faced a £13million rise in energy costs.

Speaking this week, Mr Johnston said that his priority will be the health and well-being of staff and students.

“Like other school principals, I am very concerned about spiralling energy costs that will have a detrimental impact on school budgets this year,” he said. “In Holy Cross College, our energy costs from January 2022 to October 2022 have risen by 112 per-cent.

“This is a significant concern from a financial standpoint, and, to date, I have received no guidance regarding additional measures that will be put in place to support schools through this energy crisis.

“As always, my priority will be the health and well-being of my students and staff, and I will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that a comfortable learning and working environment is maintained in the months ahead.”

Mr Johnston’s concerns come as the Education Authority issued advice to schools to anticipate a ‘three-fold increase’ in heating costs, at a time when even basic provisions like photocopy paper costs and other school supplies, have risen.

West Tyrone MLA, Daniel McCrossan, shares Mr Johnston’s deep concerns over the lack of guidance, and has called on the Education and Finance ministers to ‘act quickly’ to prepare funding to help schools during this difficult time.

Mr McCrossan said, “This is not a crisis waiting to happen; it is already unfolding before our eyes. It is clear that schools cannot pay the bills that are now coming their way.

“Our education system is already under huge pressures, and existing budgets just won’t stretch.

“Given the announcement that schools in Britain are getting funding for heating costs, it is essential that we see both the Education Minister and Finance Minister act quickly and instruct their departments to work together to announce these additional resources for our schools to deal with these unavoidable extra education costs.”

He concluded by saying, “Doing nothing, and blaming others, cannot be an option.”