THREE small, rural Catholic primary schools are to merge into one, the education minister has confirmed.
John O'Dowd yesterday approved the amalgamation of three schools that serve the parish of Lower Mourne in Co Down.
St Joseph's in Ballymartin, St Mary's in Glasdrumman and Moneydarragh PS will amalgamate on a new site and a new building to accommodate up to 205 pupils.
The schools will continue to operate separately until a site and accommodation are identified. The location will be determined as part of an economic appraisal and will be considered for inclusion in a future capital announcement. "This proposal aims to consolidate and deliver more sustainable Catholic maintained primary provision for children in the Lower Mourne area of Co Down in the long term," Mr O'Dowd said. "Enrolments at the schools are insufficient to justify all three continuing on a stand-alone basis."