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Minister announces decision on Clogher Valley Integrated Primary School

Thursday, 19 March 2009

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has turned down a proposal to grant-aid Clogher Valley Integrated School.

Clogher Valley Integrated Primary School is an independent integrated school currently situated in Fivemiletown.

Commenting on the decision, Ms Ruane said: “Each development proposal for a new school is considered carefully, based on all the information available. This includes evidence that any new school will be viable in the longer term and also its potential impact upon existing provision. Declining enrolments and surplus capacity in existing schools in the Clogher Valley areas have led to concerns about the sustainability of another school. It is of particular concern in this context that the school has not, to date, been able to achieve the minimum intakes required. The indications from the information available are that it would not be able to do so in September 2009 which raises a question on ability to demonstrate long-term viability.

“I have a duty to encourage and facilitate integrated education and have regularly done so. I understand that this news will be disappointing for the school, its pupils and parents who support integrated education. In reaching this decision I must consider the prospects for sustainability and the educational interests of all the children concerned.”

Notes to Editors:

  1. Clogher Valley Integrated Primary School currently operates as an independent integrated school.
  2. On 7 October 2008, the Southern Eastern Education and Library Board (SELB) published Development Proposal No 227 proposing the establishment of a new Grant Maintained Integrated Primary School in the Clogher Valley area, with effect from 1 September 2009, or as soon as possible thereafter.
  3. An earlier Development Proposal in 2006 was given conditional approval dependent on the school achieving the minimum viability intake of 12 Year 1 pupils of the appropriate religious composition. The school did not reach the required intake in both 2007 and 2008. In 2008/9 the school has 21 enrolments.
  4. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.