Proposed New Educate Together National School in Ballina - 4th January 2003

Educate Together are pleased to announce the application of Ballina Educate Together for a new schools due to start in September 2003.

Over the past few years, there has been a steady increase in demand for Educate Together education in Mayo. This is part due to the renewed economic development in of the main towns in the county and the outstanding reputation of the Educate Together schools in Galway and Sligo.

In 2002 Educate Together opened seven new schools, more than twice the number of new schools opened by all other sectors of education. The progress of the Educate Together sector is a strong indication of the growing demand from the general public for schools that respect and cherish the identity of children from all religious, social and cultural backgrounds. Educate Together Schools run according to the principle that

"all children having equal rights of access to the school, and children of all social, cultural and religious backgrounds are equally respected"

As a result of public information meetings held in Swinford, Ballina and Kiltamagh in the late Autumn 2002, two Educate Together Associations were established one for North East Mayo and the other for East Mayo. After protracted discussions and assessment of demand it was decided that the school should be situated around Ballina. A pre-enrolment launch was held on January 16 in the premises of St Michael’s Church of Ireland National School in the town.

Limerick City East, South Kildare, Wicklow Town, Rush and Lusk, Ongar/Clonee have also had very successful pre-enrolment meetings and are still taking names.

The formation of new schools is based solely on the voluntary effort of parents. Members come from all walks of life. The voluntary groups have been told that they will have to source temporary accommodation for up to 10 years before the state will be in a position to supply permanent school buildings. The schools get no funding until the school opens.