McLaughlin & Harvey has been appointed by the Education Authority (EA) as the main construction contractor for Phase 1 of the expansion of specialist Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision at Rathore School, helping to deliver much-needed facilities for children and young people across the Newry, Mourne and Down area.
The project, which will be delivered in three phases, marks the Antrim-based firm’s first construction project in Northern Ireland since completing the new Bushmills Distillery in 2021.
Phase 1 will provide nine new classrooms, along with outdoor play areas, additional car parking and landscaping works. The expansion is designed to help Rathore School meet increasing demand for SEN provision across the local area and support the growing needs of pupils and their families.
Construction is already underway, with the project making use of modern methods of construction to minimise disruption to staff and pupils. This includes the off-site fabrication of approximately 1,300 square metres of classroom and ancillary accommodation.
The project is expected to be completed by December 2026, with the new facilities scheduled to welcome pupils from August 2027 following a fit-out programme by Rathore School.
Gavin Parkinson, Operations Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “Our experience delivering public sector construction and infrastructure projects across the UK means we are ideally placed to deliver a project as important and sensitive as the one at Rathore School. We understand that the need for SEN school facilities across Northern Ireland is a pressing issue, and our approach to modern methods of construction will support efficient delivery while minimising disruption, ensuring the new classrooms are ready to meet the needs of young people in the area.
“While our civil engineering team has continued to thrive in Northern Ireland, we are extremely proud to see our construction team back on site for a project in the region.”
Dale Hanna, EA Chief Operations Officer, said: “This project will make a real difference for children and young people with SEN and their families, providing access to modern, purpose-built accommodation designed around their needs.
“The EA will continue to consider every available option to increase capacity and support children and young people in accessing appropriate SEN provision as close as possible to their local community.
“This investment forms part of the EA’s wider capital programme to expand SEN provision across Northern Ireland and support children and young people both now and in the years ahead.”