Move to resolve row over Farranferris College

ANOTHER effort is to be made within the next two weeks to try to resolve the impasse over the prospective closure of Farranferris College in Cork, which has been objected to by a number of parents and teachers. Bishop John Buckley has agreed to meet local TDs and councillors shortly to discuss the matter.

Such a meeting, they hope, would be the precursor of another meeting with the bishop, at which parents and teachers would be able to present their views.

The meeting with the political representatives has been agreed, but Fr Hayes said he would not like to pre-empt what happens after that as a result.

Cllr Damian Wallace said they would articulate the concerned views to the bishop which would hopefully result in a meeting of all those involved "I spoke to the bishop and sought a meeting and that is going to happen very shortly," Mr Wallace said.

"It's not an easy issue to resolve, but I share the concern of the parents."

A spokesperson for the parents and teachers said this outcome was "excellent".

"One of the alternatives is the possibility of parents leasing the school from the bishop and continuing to run it with the co-operation of the Department of Education.

"But that's only one option, and we feel a meeting with the bishop is vital so he can hear other ones ," said the spokesperson.

She said there was huge support at the recent meeting from parents who were angry and upset at Bishop Buckley's decision to close the school.

Bishop Buckley has decided to close Farranferris by 2006. The two main reasons which he has outlined for closing the school- falling numbers and lack of facilities - have been totally rejected by parents and supporters of the school.

Represented at the meeting were Scoil Iosagáin, Farranree, Rathpeacon National School and Saint Patrick's National School, three of the primary schools who supply pupils to Farranferris.

Parents and teachers are extending a deadline of Friday 5th December for Bishop Buckley to meet with them. The decision to close Farranferris and amalgamate with the North Monastery came in December 2001.

In October of this year, the bishop asked the teachers at Farranferris who had indicated that they opposed the move to say formally whether the development of the new school would have their support. They have since declined their support.