The condition of Northern Ireland’s school infrastructure is in a state of decline, according to a recent Audit Office report. The report highlights that the current strategy for managing the school estate is unsustainable and calls for a new approach from the Department of Education to make better use of limited funding for maintenance and capital investment.
With more than 1,100 schools in Northern Ireland and an estimated capital value of £4.6 billion, the report reveals that the department is currently focused on keeping schools open and safe. However, funds are primarily being directed towards replacing and repairing critical issues, rather than developing a comprehensive strategy based on the overall condition, suitability, and maintenance needs of the schools’ estate.
The report estimates that it will take 30 years and £3.2 billion to complete the current list of approved capital projects, with a maintenance backlog of around £450 million. A continued reliance on a short-term, reactive approach will result in further deterioration of the school infrastructure, leading to more costly repairs and replacements in the future.
Furthermore, the report highlights the challenge of ensuring that the schools’ estate supports a target to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Current progress towards this target has been slow, with no schools in Northern Ireland built or refurbished to a net zero standard. Retrofitting the schools’ estate is estimated to cost upwards of £2 billion.
The Auditor General emphasizes the importance of completing regular condition surveys to inform future decision-making and support better planning, prioritization, and preventative action. This data will be crucial in enhancing the sustainability of schools and delivering better value for money.
In addition, the report addresses concerns about the transition of schools from private ownership to public responsibility as Public Private Partnership (PPP)/Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts end. The Department of Education must have appropriate plans in place to manage this transition effectively and ensure that assets are in suitable condition at handover.
Education Minister Paul Givan acknowledges the historic under-investment in schools in Northern Ireland and recognizes the need for a significant increase in capital investment by the Northern Ireland Executive. He stresses the importance of providing children with safe, comfortable, and properly resourced schools to support their learning.
Overall, the report underscores the urgency of addressing the maintenance backlog and implementing a sustainable strategy for managing Northern Ireland’s school infrastructure. By taking proactive measures and investing in the future of education, the government can ensure that schools remain safe, efficient, and conducive to learning for generations to come.
