Investment package could save education in Kircubbin

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 29th May 2003

ALLIANCE councillor Kieran McCarthy has said a tiny percentage of a £134 million spending package for further education in Northern Ireland could save the East Down Institute's Kircubbin facility.

Education Minister Jane Kennedy launched the package of proposals - including £120 million for colleges - at the North Down and Ards Institute today.

Alderman McCarthy said: "Just last week, the East Down Institute announced it would be pulling out of an important facility in Kircubbin at the end of June.

"The Education Minister's spending announcement in our neighbouring college has the potential to save that facility, and I am calling on the Department to examine this situation urgently.

"If the Government is serious about widening educational participation in rural areas, it must act swiftly, as East Down could be facing a disastrous situation at the start of next term.

"To use £50,000 of a £134 million package to bring Kircubbin's Blackhall Street facility up to standard is not much to ask, and would represent a significant investment in rural education's future in East Down."