Urgent need for amalgamation of current primary schools must remain a priority
“A new primary school for Carrigtwohill has been announced today (Thursday) by the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan and while this is very much to be welcomed, there is still an urgent need to amalgamate the two primary schools already in the area”, says David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East.
“This new school is very much needed in Carrigtwohill where the two primary schools already in existence are severely under pressure due to high demand. It is vital that we push forward with the plan to amalgamate the two schools and to build a new secondary school. This is an issue I have been raising with Minister O’Sullivan and which I will continue to pursue in earnest.
“Seven new primary schools have been approved across the country and many existing schools will be extended to deal with growing pupil numbers. Of the seven new schools, four, including the new school at Carrigtwohill, are due to open in 2015.
“Patronage of the new school in Carrigtwohill is yet to be determined, this process will begin shortly. The criteria to be used in deciding on patronage will place a particular emphasis on parental demand for plurality and diversity of patronage. Parental preferences will be at the centre of considerations about the type of school to be recognised.
“The cost of constructing all seven schools will come to approximately €24m and will support 240 direct jobs and 48 indirect jobs.
“This is very good news for parents and pupils in the Carrigtwohill area, but it is important that this development comes alongside the amalgamation of the existing schools.”
