VOTING for the future patronage of Limerick two new secondary schools closed yesterday (Wednesday)
But the results of the votes cast by local parents will not be known for some time.
The two schools will cater for the entire city with 1,200 additional secondary school places.
Nominations for the schools in Mungret and Castetroy include the Educate Together group. The Educate Together mission statement is to “establish inspirational schools for children in Ireland. Schools that teach to the highest standards of education through an ethos that guarantees every child equality of esteem, regardless of their social, cultural or religious background”.
Ina statement, the Department of education confirmed that voting has closed.
“The arrangements for patronage in the establishment of new post-primary schools due to open in September 2017 and 2018 are published on the Department’s website at http://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Information/Establishing-a-New-School/New-Post-Primary-Schools/2017-2018/Arrangements-for-Patronage-in-the-Establishment-of-New-Post-Primary-Schools-September-2017-2018.pdf
“The arrangements outline the key steps in the process . The deadline for receipt of written applications was Wednesday June 8. Upon receipt, the Department will consider each application for patronage of the new school and in that regard, prepares a draft assessment report for consideration by the independent New Schools Establishment Group . The assessment process is detailed and rigorous.
“In the interests of conducting a fair process, the Department does not engage in any commentary concerning any application and all applicants are made aware of this from the outset .
“The final assessment reports along with the report of the New Schools Establishment Group to the Minister are published on the Department’s website after the Minister has made the final decision and the patronage of the new schools is announced.
Every effort will be made by the Department to expedite the assessment process so that the patronage of the new schools in Limerick is known to enable them be considered by parents as part of the common applications system that operates for post-primary education in Limerick.
