A Co Antrim primary school destroyed by arsonists will be open by September, its principal said today.
David McConkey, of Whitehouse Primary in Newtownabbey, said great progress had already been made and added there had been tremendous support from the community and government after the school was attacked last Saturday.
Firefighters were left hosing down the blackened ruin where 400 pupils were taught. It was the third school targeted by arsonists in the greater Belfast area recently.
Mr McConkey said: “We would wish to pay tribute to all who have worked closely with us this week in helping to overcome the grief, dismay and hurt by assisting in the preparation of a plan of action that should help us realise the goal of having Whitehouse Primary up and running by the end of August.
“We are indebted also to the school governors, parents, pupils, friends of the school community and members of the local communities as well as others from as far away as Italy and Germany - all who have expressed sympathy and condolences, displayed acts of kindness and offered support in many and various ways.”
Only the nursery section of the Doagh Road premises survived the early morning fire.
Measures have been put in place to address concerns of parents and pupils, who are being kept fully informed.
Mr McConkey said the industry, initiative, dogged determination and pledges of support from many people were greatly appreciated.
“These offers should be taken up in due course but for the present, due to the nature of the appalling disaster, only authorised individuals can be involved in the task of starting to make things better,” he added.
PA