Parents in the Glasheen, Greenmount, Lough and Gilabbey are invited to express their preference in relation to the patronage of the new school in the area Fine Gael Senator has said.

 

The invitation follows on from the Government’s announcement of the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years from 2019 to 2022.

 

Jerry Buttimer said: “I encourage parents of children in Glasheen, Greenmount, Lough and Gilabbey who will be starting school in the next five years to engage with the process.  This is your opportunity to make your views known and help to shape the education of the future.

 

“This system has been developed to provide objective information to all parents and guardians which will allow them to make an informed choice in expressing a preference for a patronage model and language of instruction for their child’s education.

 

“This planned new school in this area was decided following on from a nationwide, forward-planning exercise carried out by the Department of Education into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country. The four year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the schools.”

 

Minister for Education Joe McHugh said: “We are fortunate in Ireland to have a growing population. However, this growth puts pressure on our public services. If we are to have a world class education and training system we must ensure that we adequately prepare for this future need by planning necessary modern school facilities now.”

 

The patronage process for new schools is overseen by the independent New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG). This Group was set up in 2011 to advise the Minister on the patronage of new schools following its consideration of a report prepared by the Department on the applications received.

 

Parents are invited to express their patronage preferences using the Department’s new Online Patronage Process System (OPPS) website – https://patronage.education.gov.ie