Maintenance backlog reaches £50m

THE backlog for maintenance work on the schools estate in the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) stands at almost £50m.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jul 2010, 11:57 BST
Updated 13th Jul 2010, 15:05 BST

Education Minister Caitrona Ruane outlined the extent of the backlog during a debate on her Department’s controversial capital review at the Stormont Assembly.

She told members the backlog includes urgent work to address health and safety issues and to avoid serious deterioration of buildings.

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“Items must also be deemed to be in a very poor condition,” she told the house. “I will continue to press the Executive for further funding for maintenance.

“It is good to hear that maintenance is a concern among Members, and I look forward to the support of all parties in addressing that concern.”

The backlog in WELB is 46,410,758 - the second smallest in Northern Ireland. The South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) area has the smallest backlog with 36,642,750.

“Therefore, there is a serious problem with the maintenance backlog. The schools estate is facing serious difficulties and is in need of urgent support from the Executive,” the Minister explained.