Proposed New Educate Together National School in Rush/Lusk - 4th February 2003

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

Educate Together’s interim assessment of the current demand for its schools in such areas of rapid housing development indicates more that more than 40% of new parents would prefer the Educate together model of education for their children if this alternative was available. The launch of the pre-enrolement list was strongly supported. The group is putting forward a location in Rush – the GAA club – as a starting premises. It is also investigating the provision of a bus service from Lusk to assist parents in the Lusk area. Educate Together is confident that with the support of the national patron, the group will produce a vibrant and successful school in the area.

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"

Limerick City East, south Kildare, Wicklow Town, Ballina, 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.