THE Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board has confirmed that it will review its recent decision to end Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses at the Centre for Further Education in Cappamore at the end of this academic year.
The centre, which is the East Campus of the Limerick College of Further Education, currently provides PLC courses in a number of subject areas to 83 learners.
Limerick TD Kieran O’Donnell said the issue was “of huge concern to people in the area” and the decision to review the matter was on foot of a meeting he had with LCETB chief executive George O’Callaghan.
“I am hopeful that the review will lead to the courses being retained. Furthermore, the Training Board has confirmed to me that it is committed to the long-term development of the Centre of Further Education in Cappamore. This is a welcome commitment, given the centre’s major importance in the area.
He added that he has also written to Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan seeking her support in retaining the courses in Cappamore.
Last week, the LCETB told the principals of five former VEC schools in Limerick and Clare that funding was no longer available to maintain PLC courses in small rural units and that learners would have to pursue courses in larger centres.
