More non faith-based schools to open

New multi-denominational schools will open this year in four towns where parents want more choice than only the faith-based schools currently available.

The announcement by Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan today forms the latest stage of the process of divesting patronage from mainly Catholic control in areas with little likelihood of new school buildings to accommodate growing populations.

One of the four will transfer to an existing school building, being transferred by the Catholic diocese on foot of a closure in Castlebar, Co Mayo, which Ms O’Sullivan said she was particularly pleased about. But she acknowledged progress on the divesting process is slower than some people would like.