The campaign for a new school to cater for young people in
Islandmagee has been taken directly to the Minister’s desk by a delegation from
Larne Borough Council.
The group representing the council consisted of Cllr
Martin Wilson, Cllr John Matthews and Cllr Mark McKinty, who headed the
delegation.
Speaking following the meeting, Cllr Mark McKinty spoke of
positive signs: ‘I would like to thank the Minister John O’Dowd for the
opportunity to put forward the case for a new school in Islandmagee. Initially
I had requested this meeting back in November 2013. However, when Council
suggested sending a cross-party delegation to meet the Minister, I offered my
meeting as an option to speed up the process”.
“I was very pleased to be able to present Minister O’Dowd
with a strong case in favour of a new school for Islandmagee. The Minister is
well aware of the facts and figures of this case, and a number of
representations have been made by various organisations and individuals,
including myself. The purpose of the meeting was therefore to present to the
Minister a local viewpoint, a perspective that would not necessarily be
included in a Departmental report.”
“We were able to share with the Minister the frustration of
3 or 4 cycles of children who have been awaiting a new school in the area for
over a decade. We also raised the current state of buildings at both
Mullaghdubh and Kilcoan Primary Schools which are unfit for purpose, being over
160 and 100 years respectively. Staff have made very good use of the facilities
available to them, however the cost of necessary improvements would be better
spent on a new school.”
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| Cllr Mark McKinty visiting the site already acquired by the NEELB for Islandmagee's new school. |
“With over 120 pupils currently enrolled in the two schools,
a new school would surely welcome over 150 pupils upon opening, with this
number set to rise dramatically when parents – who currently send their
children elsewhere due to the uncertainty over primary provision in the area –
decide to educate their children in Islandmagee. In a nutshell, a new school in
Islandmagee would be very sustainable in its own right.”
“Road safety at the two schools, particularly Mullaghdubh,
is another concern for staff, parents and local residents. The fact that the
NEELB already owns the site for the new school means off-road car parking would
be available, and a pedestrian link between the school and the new Gobbins
Visitor and Community Centre would make walking to school a better option for
many children. The proximity to the new visitor centre will also allow the
school children to learn more about their local history, take part in tourism
events and play an active role in the community.”
“Whilst the Minister was unable to give a definitive answer,
I am satisfied that the case has been well put to him, and I am very hopeful
that a positive outcome of this issue will finally be forthcoming in the near
future.”
The Council delegation invited Minister O’Dowd to visit
Kilcoan and Mullaghdubh schools both verbally and by letter (see attached).
