Holy Family Primary School in Magherafelt, housed in a deteriorating 135-year-old building, faces serious health and safety issues, including damp, mold, and pests. The school serves 580 students from over 20 nationalities but has struggled for years to secure government funding for a new facility, which is not on the approved list for new builds. The Department of Education acknowledges the need for enhanced funding, while Education Minister Paul Givan emphasizes the importance of investment and is advocating for additional resources. Currently, over 80 schools in Northern Ireland have approved new builds that are yet to be completed, many of which are stalled at various stages.
