Ministers mark beginning of construction of Strule Shared Education Campus
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The beginning of construction of the Strule Shared Education Campus was officially marked with a sod-cutting ceremony in Omagh today.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Education Minister Paul Givan joined staff and pupils and invited guests at the 140-acre site.
Over 4,000 children and young people from six schools and from all backgrounds, will come together on a modern and vibrant campus. The schools will work together to provide a shared curriculum and extra-curricular activities while retaining their individuality and ethos.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:
“This is a hugely positive day for Omagh and for Tyrone as we mark the start of construction on the Strule Shared Education Campus. As an Executive we provided £150million additional funding to drive this long-awaited project forward.
“There is no doubt this Campus will bring significant benefits to the local community. It will provide state-of-the-art facilities and access to the first-class opportunities that our young people deserve.“Most important of all will be everything that will happen inside with the sharing of space, learning, culture, heritage and history. All of this will help lay the path to a shared future in which everyone is respected and valued equally.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:
“Strule Shared Education Campus has always been regarded as a vision for the future of education in Northern Ireland and today is an important milestone in that journey.
“Shared education is about bringing people closer together and this campus will be a place where children and young people from different backgrounds can learn together in a positive learning environment which encourages respect for all.
“As well as being an important centre for learning, it will be a hub for the wider community, bringing everyone together in a space that fosters connection, collaboration and common purpose. I look forward to it opening to pupils in 2028.”
Education Minister Paul Givan said:
“Strule represents a major investment in the future of shared education in the west. Today’s sod-cutting ceremony marks a significant day in the progress of the project and demonstrates my commitment to delivering the benefits that shared education offers to our young people. This new campus will provide a vibrant and dynamic learning environment where all pupils can thrive together.
“The project will also provide hundreds of jobs and apprenticeship opportunities that will contribute to Strule’s legacy of economic development in Tyrone.
“I pay tribute to the school leaders and other stakeholders across the education sector whose commitment to this project has been central to ensuring this landmark day has been reached.”
Foncy McConnell, Principal of the Christian Brothers Grammar School, Omagh, who also spoke at the ceremony commented:
"Today marks the culmination of years of dedicated work and a shared vision for the future of our schools. This shared campus will create exciting new opportunities for all of our pupils to learn from and alongside each other, breaking down barriers and fostering lifelong friendships."
Construction of the campus commenced in February and is set to open to pupils in September 2028.
Notes to editors:
The construction of Arvalee School and Resource Centre was completed in 2016 and construction of the remaining schools and shared facilities commenced in February 2025 following the Department of Education’s award of the contract to the Woodvale Lowry Joint Venture in August 2024.