Ballinasloe's secondary schools to be consulted on whether to retain Catholic ethos

Management, staff and students at Ballinasloe's two Catholic secondary schools - St Joseph’s College, Garbally, and Árdscoil Mhuire - are to be consulted as part of a new process examining the future of Catholic post-primary education in the town.

The consultation was announced yesterday (Wednesday) evening by the Bishop Of Clonfert, Athlone native Michael Duignan, who said there was no "pre-determined outcome in mind" in relation to the process.

Currently, both St Joseph's College and Árdscoil Mhuire are under the patronage of the Diocese of Clonfert, and CEIST (Catholic Education, an Irish Schools Trust).

A statement from the Diocese said both schools were "an integral part of a deeply valued and rich historical tradition maintained and supported by local communities in Ballinasloe and surrounding areas over the years".

However, it said the consultation process was now being launched in acknowledgement of the "rapidly changing" educational landscape.

"The two patrons have agreed that it is an opportune time, in collaboration with each of the school communities, to explore together current and future Catholic post-primary educational provision in Ballinasloe and surrounding areas.

"A consultation process is now commencing which will seek to gather the perspectives of boards of management, staff, students and parents, including primary school parents.

"Throughout this consultation process the patrons have no pre-determined outcome in mind, and wish to hear what local education partners and the parents of future post-primary students have to say about the future of Catholic post-primary education provision in the area."

Frank Smith has been chosen as an independent facilitator to guide the consultation process, and the Diocese said the views expressed during the process "will guide the patrons in any future decisions".