School boost for Whitehall

A NEW second-level school will open in Whitehall next September, it was announced last week.

Clonturk Community College will be an Educate Together run school on the Swords Road and the decision to open follows a long, hard-fought campaign by parents and local political representatives.

News of the development was revealed by the City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB) and Educate Together. CDETB will be the patron of the college and Educate Together the trustee partner.

The new college is to be co-located in the building currently occupied by Plunket College and will open with a first year intake of 75 students in September.

“Our vision for the college is of a welcoming and vibrant school community in which all members will experience a real sense of active participation and belonging,” a statement from Educate Together said.

The process of appointing a principal to the college is to begin immediately and students will be enrolled on a first come, first served basis.

Details of a dedicated point of contact for parents interested in enrolling children in the school will be published shortly online at www.CDETB.ie and www.educatetogether.ie.

Last week’s news was welcomed by a number of local political representatives.

“The announcement is very positive news for the parents who have been long campaigning for a second-level Educate Together school on the Northside,” Dublin North West TD John Lyons (Lab) said.

“There are a number of primary Educate Together schools on the Northside, and I have long argued that it is only right that pupils attending these schools have the option of continuing their education in a second-level Educate Together within their wider community.”

Dublin Central Labour TD Joe Costello said the new school would offer greater diversity in educational ethos and increase choice for parents.

Sinn Féin councillor for Whitehall and Glasnevin, Cathleen Carney Boud, also welcomed the news.

“As a member of the City of Dublin Education Board I am delighted,” she said. 

“I want to thank both the representatives of the City of Dublin Education Board and of the Educate Together committee who have worked hard to have a joint agreement on a model, ethos and vision statement for the school. “

Councillor Noel Rock (FG) said the school would be a welcome addition to the community.

“Over the last two years I have met with countless parents and hosted meetings in Leinster House between parents and Junior Minister for Education Damien English, as well as our Seanad spokesperson on education Jim D’Arcy,” he added.

“The collaborative approach with the CDETB is one which was identified as a possibility at an early stage and I am glad that the resources have allowed this to come to fruition.”