To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 10181/22-27, to detail how this impacts (i) work planned at Dominican College, Portstewart; and (ii) the proposed amalgamation of Dunluce College, Coleraine College and North Coast Integrated College.

Due to the constrained capital budget position and the significant pressure in relation to Special Educational Needs, funding is necessarily being targeted to meet contractual commitments, keep schools open, pupils safe and provide education access for the most vulnerable. Other projects are being progressed in line with available budget.

The design of the agreed option for the School Enhancement Programme (SEP) project at Dominican College is currently at RIBA Stage 2, with the business case in development.

Budget is available to take the project through the remaining planning and design stages up to pre-tender stage. A decision to release to tender will be taken based on the budget position at that time.

In relation to the new Causeway Academy, I am advised that the Education Authority has initiated a project to locate the three schools onto a single site by September 2026, subject to available funding. Planning for a new build school will only commence should the project be included in a future Major Works Capital announcement.