Protest at school merger today

 

A protest will take place outside Cavan Courthouse this afternoon at plans to merge of two secondary schools in the county.

The planned demonstration, at 1pm, is against Cavan-Monaghan ETD's plans to shut St Bricins in Belturbet and St Mogues in Bawnboy in favour of building a new €15 million school in neighbouring Ballyconnell.

Several members of Cavan County Council serve as members of the Board of CMETB, who unanimously supported the plan when unveiled at a meeting at the Slieve Russell Hotel last month.

It follows a significant turnout at a public rally in Bawnboy on Monday evening last, where a huge representation from both affected towns, including elected members, voiced concerns at CMETB's proposal.

The meeting of elected members to Cavan County Council begins in the Council Chamber at 2pm.

Head of CMETB John Kearney has meanwhile firmly stated commitment from the Department of Education “is in place” to support the two school merger.

His comments come despite officials claiming no contact has been made from CMETB to date.

However, a spokesperson for the Department did say any proposed changes would involve “extensive negotiations” at local level, and must also be “well planned and managed” in a manner that accommodates the “interests” of students, parents, teachers, local communities, as well as “contributes to an inclusive education system”.