An alternative to the existing Catholic ethos schools is now available to parents in Knocknacarra following invitations for the patronage of a new primary school in the city.
This is the view of Labour Galway West TD Derek Nolan who said there is a “strong need for an non-denominational option” for parents in the Knocknacarra area.
Dep Nolan said he was aware of cases where non-Catholic children have had to secure school places outside Knocknacarra, even though they have been on waiting lists since they were just a few weeks old.
On Monday, the Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn, invited patron bodies to apply for the patronage of four new primary schools to be established in September 2014. The four new schools will be in Midleton; Swords; Sandymount/Ringsend; and Knocknacarra.
Patrons are asked to provide evidence of parental demand when making an application for a new school. This means parents will have choice and input into what ethos the school will have.
Dep Nolan has welcomed the inclusion of Galway and said he was “glad further progress is being made on securing the future of school places for Knocknacarra and the west of the city”.
The new school may be located in the existing building used by Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh. This would allow the Gaelscoil to move to a new, larger school, allowing it to meet its growing needs and complement the new Coláiste na Coiribe campus.
