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Robert McCalister,
Mark Lowry, John Cooper, George McClure,
John Clarke and John Ferguson of Farrans
with Lisburn Mayor James Tinsley and
Eric Munro Project Manager South Eastern
Regional College. US1908-121A0
THE construction phase of the new �25 million education
facilities for the South Eastern Regional College in Lisburn
officially got underway this week when Employment and Learning
Minister, Sir Reg Empey, performed the official sod cutting
ceremony.
Speaking at the event, the Minister said: "This is a
significant milestone in the development of the much needed
educational accommodation for the people of the Lisburn. "This
development will allow the College to continue to deliver first
class education and training to the local areas.
"Skills, together with enterprise, infrastructure, research
and development, are the key drivers of our economic vision for
Northern Ireland. Of these, skills development presents the
greatest challenge, but offers the greatest potential for
improvement. If skills, or the lack of skills, is the problem,
then Further Education must play a critical role in the
solution."
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Paul Givan, Lisburn Mayor James
Tinsley, Edwin Poots, Brian Acheson Chairman of
Governing Body, Tom Plaice South Eastern Regional
College acting principal and Tom Redmond Department
of Employment and Learning at the Cutting of the sod
for the Lisburn Campus. US1908-119A0 |
Sir Reg Empey, Lisburn Mayor James
Tinsley and Tom Plaice South Eastern Regional
College acting principal cutting the first sod at
the new Lisburn Campus. US1908-119A0 |
The building work will take three years to complete with the
Lisburn Campus becoming available in April 2010.
Sir Reg continued: "Given the constraints of the current
financial climate, this investment is testimony to the
commitment of my Department to provide a Further Education
infrastructure equipped to meet the needs of a modern vibrant
economy."
College Acting Principal and Chief Executive. Mr Torn Place,
said: "This investment marks the key role which South Eastern
Regional College will play in the future of the local economy.
With enhanced facilities in which to deliver a high quality
learning experience the College is committed to the success of
individual learners and the businesses which employ them."
Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Edwin Poots MLA
welcomed the commencement of the development. He said it had
been "long awaited" but stressed the college must "look to
develop new opportunities" in association with the new building
and has to see "closer links with universities to develop
accredited courses which would fulfil part of the requirements
for degrees."
"While this is the case already for some courses there are
significant opportunities to extend this," he explained.
Ulster Star
09/05/2008
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