Islandmagee School case taken to Minister John O’Dowd’s desk

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.”

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).