Athlone mooted for State school patronage

By Triona Doherty

Athlone and Ballinasloe have been named as two of the locations around the country where the Government is considering plans to take control of some Catholic primary schools.

The Irish Catholic newspaper revealed this week that the Government has drawn up plans to take over the patronage of a number of the country’s Catholic schools, and has given the Catholic Church a list of areas nationwide where the schools are located.

While the schools or areas have not yet been revealed, it is believed the majority are in the wider Dublin area while other schools up for consideration are based in Athlone, Ballinasloe, Killarney and Tramore.

The list is thought to refer to over 30 different areas, with the Department of Education expected to leave it up to church authorities, in consultation with parents and parishes, to select the schools.

The Department of Education is expected to publish a statement on the matter in the coming week.

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