Fianna Fáil Councillor, Peter Keane, has called for the restoration of Scoil Éinde Primary School as a designated feeder school for Coláiste Éinde Secondary School.
This initiative seeks to reverse changes made a decade ago, which have since disrupted traditional educational pathways and have adversely impacted local families.
Councillor Keane, who has represented Galway City West for over fifteen years in Galway City Council, has formally written to the key stakeholders who can make this change happen and has requested an immediate meeting with Coláiste Éinde to discuss with Bishop Michael Duignan, Coláiste Éinde’s Board of Management and Minister for Education, Norma Foley T.D., outlining the adverse effects the policy change has had on the Salthill community.
Cllr Keane’s discussions emphasise the reduced admissions of Scoil Éinde students into Coláiste Éinde, which has fallen to less than 25 per cent, creating unnecessary and unwarranted hurdles for students and parents alike.
Cllr Keane stated; “Reinstating Scoil Éinde as a feeder school is imperative to preserve the fabric of our community. This change would not only alleviate the logistical and unnecessary strains on families but also contribute positively to alleviating local traffic congestion and safety while supporting our goals for environmental sustainability by reducing the number of vehicles on the road as more families can choose schools within walking distance.”
The initiative aligns with broader Government policies aimed at promoting active travel and reducing carbon emissions, thereby providing multiple community and environmental benefits. Councillor Keane is committed to this cause and remains hopeful that collaborative efforts with local and national education authorities will yield positive outcomes and see the re-establishment of Scoil Éinde as a feeder school to Coláiste Éinde.
Members of the broader Salthill community are encouraged to participate in the dialogue to firmly re-establish this essential educational link. A public meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 16 at Scoil Éinde, where local parents and former pupils can voice their opinions and discuss the most positive way forward.
