Two Fermanagh secondary schools are to be shut down and replaced by a new college.
Education minister John O'Dowd yesterday approved a proposal to close St Eugene's College in Roslea and St Comhghall's College in Lisnaskea and establish a new post-primary school in Lisnaskea.
The new school will open on the St Comhghall's site in September "or as soon as possible thereafter".
Mr O'Dowd said his decision to close the two schools was due to "on-going sustainability issues".
Pupil numbers in Lisnaskea have been increasing but the roll-call in Roslea has been in decline. In 2014, St Comhghall's had 470 pupils compared to just 78 at St Eugene's.
"I believe that my decision to establish a new 11-19 post-primary school in Lisnaskea is in the best interests of all the pupils in the area," Mr O'Dowd said.
"There is a need to address the sustainability issues of the other post-primary schools in the south Fermanagh area and further consideration should now be given to the development of a full area solution."
The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) welcomed the decision.
"We pay tribute to the principals, the staff and the pupils at both schools for their patience and commitment while waiting for this decision," said Gerry Lundy, CCMS deputy chief executive.
"The planning for the implementation of the re-organisation can now move forward in the context of continuing to ensure access to the highest quality educational provision for all the young people who are currently well served by the existing two schools.
"The community can have every confidence that the transition into new arrangements will be effectively managed, will focus on and prioritise the needs of all students, and will secure the highest quality provision for all our young people for the future."
