Multi-denominational schools forced to open in temporary accommodation

Two multi-denominational schools will open to pupils in September in temporary accommodation because local Catholic school communities have not yet decided which building should transfer to them.

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn had hoped the first divestment of church- owned primary schools would begin this year but accepts there are sensitive issues involved.

He announced yesterday that three Educate Together schools will open in temporary accommodation in Malahide, Co Dublin, Tramore, Co Waterford, and Trim, Co Meath.

They were among 28 areas where it emerged from 43 parent surveys in late 2012 and early 2013 that there is enough demand to have an alternative patron take over one of the local faith-based primary schools.

Trim and Tramore will require the local Catholic bishops and school communities to agree a property to be handed over.

But the Malahide Educate Together school will not require a transfer, as a separate Department of Education review found the area has enough population growth for an extra school.

In Ballina, Co Mayo, the Church of Ireland bishop and parents have agreed that Newtownwhite National School in Ballysokerry transfer to Educate Together, and talks on the practicalities are ongoing.

Mr Quinn said discussions are continuing with the main Catholic bishops in these and a number of other areas to identify and secure permanent accommodation.

Some have offered school buildings but the new patron was not ready to open or needed a different location.

“The engagement with patrons so far has been open and generous. I am sure that with the co-operation of all concerned and with the support of my department, further progress can be achieved,” he said.

Catholic Schools Partnership chairman Fr Michael Drumm said the most important step to help move the process along would be for the chosen alternative patrons to engage locally and convince people of the need for change.

He said there is a view in some areas that there is not enough demand for a different type of school but such attitudes could be changed with evidence and understanding of the issue.

He said that where two schools amalgamate to facilitate a building handover, the department should allow them keep combined support grants for the first few years, a case being made for all school amalgamations.

Professor John Coolahan, who chaired Mr Quinn’s 2011 Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector, acknowledged progress but said things need to speed up.

“It is to be hoped that patrons and school communities will accelerate the divesting process so as to facilitate the provision of schooling for their fellow citizens of other belief systems,” he said.