UFU concern over PS plans

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has met with Education Minister John O’Dowd to discuss the draft area plans for primary schools and the potential impact on rural areas.

UFU Deputy President Barclay Bell said; “The Education Minister was very clear that we are in the middle of a consultation process and that no final decision on any school has been made yet.

“It was reassuring to hear him say that he did not view this as a numbers game and that pupil enrolment figures will not be the sole criteria used when it comes to deciding whether or not to close a school.

“Local communities must now take this opportunity to make a strong case for their individual school by not only demonstrating that a school meets the required criteria but also its vital role in the local community.”

UFU members can contact their local group office for a template letter which they can sign and send to the Education Minister in support of their local rural school.