Alliance Councillor for North Belfast, Nuala McAllister, has welcomed the news that Cliftonville Integrated Primary School will get a share of the £45 million School Enhancement Programme announced by the Education Minister, Peter Weir MLA.

Councillor McAllister said: “Cliftonville Integrated Primary School is one of the fastest growing schools, seeing rapid growth in the past ten years. However, each year it must turn children away as it is oversubscribed. It provides outstanding education and pastoral care for children in North Belfast. The school has seen significant development under its current leadership, and I have been glad to work with its Principal in the past.

“Along with my party colleague, Chris Lyttle MLA, I met with the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Education, Derek Baker, and the school Principal, Bill Fletcher, to give our support and lobby for vital funding. The fact that Cliftonville IPS is oversubscribed shows how parents value the quality education provided.

“Alliance believes that our community benefits greatly from educating our children together, and Cliftonville IPS is a great example of a school where children of different religions, traditions and cultures are welcomed and treated equally.

“I look forward to receiving more details on the financial allocation and timetable for the works to commence. This is great step towards further potential for Cliftonville Integrated and I look forward to continued work with its leadership team.”