Glenravel and Cargan Primary Schools are to merge

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has approved a development proposal for the amalgamation of Glenravel Primary School, Martinstown and St Mary’s Primary School, Cargan.

Commenting on the decision, Mr O’Dowd said: “This proposal aims to consolidate and deliver more sustainable Catholic-maintained primary provision for children in this area of County Antrim in the long term.

“Having considered all of the available evidence, I am satisfied that approval of the amalgamation is the best way forward.

“In January 2013, I announced that a new build scheme encompassing the schools could proceed in planning. The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) as the managing authority will implement the amalgamation upon completion of the new school building.

“The build project is, however, dependent upon completion of an approved economic appraisal and subject to the availability of sufficient funding.”