School closure confirmed

The Minister agreed to the closure, following on from a development proposal brought forward by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools and published by the North Eastern Education and Library Board, after the number of pupils on the roll books this year dropped to as little as 20.

“The Department of Education’s budget can no longer manage to maintain unsustainable schools,” the Minister said.

“There are other alternative primary schools which have sufficient capacity to offer places to Lourdes Primary pupils and I am confident that all those involved, including parents and school staff, will ensure a smooth transition for the children.

Mary Muir, Chair of the school’s Board of Governors, said the decision would mean a great loss to the community. “I value Catholic education and feel it’s a tremendous shame that parents who want their children educated in that sector will have to send them outside of the village,” she said.

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