REPORT EXAMINES SCHOOL PATRONAGE DEMANDS AT THREE GALWAY TOWNS

Date Published: 02-Apr-2013

Parents in two county Galway towns have signalled a significant demand for change in the patronage of their primary schools while in one county town, it is not clear yet that there is a viable demand for change in the area.

The school patronage survey was carried out by the Department of Education in 38 towns nationwide including Ballinasloe, Loughrea and Tuam.

In Ballinasloe, 189 valid responses were received, with 102 in support of a wider choice of patronage in the area.

The study concludes that given the number of respondents who have stated they would avail of a further choice of patron, it is not clear that there is a viable demand for change in the area.

In Loughrea, 213 valid survey responses are recorded, with 138 in support of a wider choice of patronage in the area.

In Tuam, there were 185 valid responses, with 152 in support of a wider choice of patronage in the area.

For Loughrea and Tuam, it finds that the main patron (Catholic Archbishop) should now be asked to consider re-configuration options that would provide accommodation for an Educate Together.