A Department of Education study on the future of primary schools has reportedly recommended that schools with less than four teachers or less than 80 pupils be closed as a cost-cutting measure, prompting concerns of yet more harm to rural areas, already suffering the loss of local Garda stations, post offices and banks.
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) has stated that the recommendations could affect up to 1,000 primary schools.
Speaking last week, Msgr John O’Boyle, Director of Primary Education in Tuam archdiocese said that “at a time when rural communities are being isolated more and more any proposed school closures will make those communities lonelier places.”
“Of schools in the archdiocese,” he explained, “75 are two-teacher schools.” In the Achill area, he added, in terms of pupil numbers at nine schools, “the biggest school has 51 pupils”.
Fr Gerry Kenny, PP of Kilkee and Doonbeg in Co. Clare, said the prospect of the closure of small schools will increase pressure on rural communities already struggling with financial strains.
In Doonbeg we have five schools with under 80 pupils. One school is closing this June because numbers are down to just six pupils and we accept that, but on the ground in a spread-out rural population the reality is that amalgamating schools will mean further hardship for families in terms of transport etc.
“The reduction in capitation is already enormously affecting small rural schools and together with the disappearance of the minor works grant the schools are living on an extremely tight budget.”
Meanwhile, Fr Kieran Whitney in Strokestown, Co. Roscommon has four small schools in his parish and one is already under threat of closing because of the reduction in numbers not meeting Government ratios.
“We wait with bated breath every March and April to see what the enrolment will be next year. It is a constant concern from year to year,” he said. “The school that is under threat of closing is the best equipped school in the parish and it doesn’t make sense to leave it empty.”
Commenting on the pressure that closures of amenities are already having on rural communities across Ireland, Fr Whitney said “People drawing up budgets are not interested in the rural fabric, but in balancing the books.”
Diocesan Education Secretary for Cork and Ross, Fr Tom Deenihan also voiced concerns on the reported plans.
And, while conceding that “rationalisation might be necessary”, this should not take place “based on enrolment but based on proximity to the next school.
Social needs are not served by bussing children great distances to attend school.”