New Education Building in Larne

The issue of the delay in rebuilding a further education building in place of the old Larne Technical College was pushed by Roy alongside his Ulster Unionist colleague, Ken Robinson:

Ulster Unionists Press for Larne Further Education Campus

East Antrim's two Ulster Unionist Assemblymen joined forces at Stormont this week to question the Minister for Employment on Learning on the re development of a further Education College in Larne. Both Roy Beggs MLA and Ken Robinson MLA asked the Minister, Carmel Hanna about the delays is re establishing a Larne campus for the East Antrim Institute of Further and Higher Education.

Roy Beggs MLA asked the Minister for Employment and Learning whether the planned capital work programme for the further education sector for 2002-03 has been finalised. In reply Ms Hanna announced, "The capital work programme for 2002-03 is currently under consideration, and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement shortly. The Member will be pleased to note that Larne will be included in that consideration."

Speaking afterwards Mr Beggs said he was somewhat encouraged by the reply. "Having raised the issue consistently in committee at Stormont, and having lobbied the Department and the Minister for the speedy redevelopment of the Larne campus, I welcome the fact that Larne is now being considered for inclusion in the current year's capital build programme. I would be hopeful that, given the strong and consistent case made to the Minister that 'consideration' would move swiftly to a firm commitment of financial support to enable a new campus to be built. A new purpose built campus would act as a focal point for further education and training in the area and play an important role in assisting the economic recovery of the borough of Larne," stated the UUP Assemblyman.

Party colleague Ken Robinson MLA also lent his weight to the Larne FE campaign with a question relating to the nature of the title problems currently delaying the building of a new further education campus in Larne. He added:

"Will the Minister ensure that the matter will be pursued vigorously to a satisfactory outcome, so that Larne will no longer be seriously disadvantaged in third-level education provision, which is a vital component of the regeneration of the town?"

Both Ulster Unionist Assemblymen said they expected positive decisions to be made by the Minister and her civil servants soon.

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