All the education boards have revealed shortfalls

The board's finance committee was told that savings would be planned to make sure it stays within its budget.

Members said they were dismayed by the outlook and concerned about the impact on learning in the classrooms.

All of Northern Ireland's five education and library boards have now said they face financial difficulties running into millions of pounds.

Emergency maintenance

Last week, the Southern Education and Library Board, which is based in Armagh, predicted a shortfall of an estimated �28m over the next three years.

The Belfast and South Eastern Boards are already the subject of a special government inquiry into their overspending.

The North Eastern Board, based in Ballymena, has cancelled all but emergency maintenance to stay within its budget this year.

Proposed budgets

The Western Board, which is based in Omagh, said the proposed Department of Education budget was out for consultation so it has not yet been confirmed.

However, it said that widespread cuts were likely.

It called on the public to urge the government to increase the proposed budgets and local councils in the area are being asked to write to the Department of Education.

The WELB said on Friday that it expected that �8m would have to be cut from its spending over the next three years.