Minister opens new further education campus in Dungannon

6 June 2007

East Tyrone Institute’s new Dungannon campus was today officially opened by Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey.

The £17million building provides the people of East Tyrone with an educational establishment which is widely considered to be amongst the best equipped in Northern Ireland.

In his address to invited guests, Sir Reg said:  "Further Education Colleges have a major contribution to make in revitalising the social, economic and learning aspects of the communities they serve. This is why government is continuing the major investment programme in colleges throughout Northern Ireland. This new campus is further confirmation of our commitment to the sector and the young people and adults using its facilities. If we are aspiring to be the best, we must be equipped to enable us to reach that level.”

The Dungannon campus is the largest of East Tyrone Institute’s three sites and has in excess of 14,000 students undertaking a range of full-time and part-time courses.

Sir Reg continued:  “The Dungannon campus has a vital role to play in servicing the needs of local industry and this investment will enhance its ability to be a key driver of economic development for many years to come."

The Minister was welcomed to the College by the Board of Governors Chairman Mr Jim Wilson MBE and taken on a tour of the new facilities.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The 16 local Further Education colleges will merge to six from 1 August 2007.
  2. East Tyrone Institute will merge with Fermanagh College and Omagh College. The new grouping will be called South West College.
  3. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.