Dozens of small Wexford schools could close under Bord Snip proposals

Fianna Fail could be responsible for the closure of dozens of small primary schools across Co. Wexford, says Fine Gael T.D. Michael D’Arcy.

“Co. Wexford has dozens of small rural schools with less than 50 pupils,” Deputy D’Arcy pointed out, “and if they follow the recommendations of An Bord Snip Nua then those schools will close.   That will be the legacy of this Fianna Fail led

Government, an almighty blow to education and the decimation of rural areas.”

The report released recently by An Bord Snip Nua stated that 659 small  primary schools across the country should be amalgamated.  The measure would save in the region of 300 teachers – a cost saving of some €18m each year in salaries.   The McCarthy report also suggests mergers of the 851 schools in the 50-100 pupil category, a move which would see another €9m shaved off the annual teachers salaries bill.

“I’m extremely concerned about this because up to now every time this Government has had to cut costs it has opted for the soft targets, i.e. children, the elderly, and the

sick and I believe it could well do so again by closing these small country schools,”

he said. 

“In doing so Fianna Fail will rip the heart out of local communities, pulling apart the social fabric of those areas.  We’ve already seen rural garda stations and rural post offices close.   Rural schools are the focal point of communities, it’s about so much more than pupils being educated, it allows parents to come together, it feeds the parish and serves as a vital conduit for Gaelic games,” the North Wexford TD pointed out.  “Close those schools and all that is lost.    It would be unforgivable,” he said. “Parents and teachers need to be vigilant about this and fight plans to allow it to happen.”