THE Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, has welcomed the commencement of an online survey which will result in the selection of the new patron for the planned post primary school in Goatstown.
The Minister said that following a request for education bodies to apply to run the school, which is to be established in September, 2020, four applicants have come forward.
These include An Foras Pátrúnachta Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board, Educate Together and Scoil Sinéad Limited.
Minister Ross said that parents and guardians can use the online survey to select which model of patronage they prefer and whether they would like English or Irish as the language of instruction.
“This is a very important decision that will shape the future of post primary education in the new 800-pupil school,” Minister Ross said. “I would urge all parents and guardians to engage in the process and assess which patron body will best serve the education needs of the children of the area in the coming years.”
He added: “The wishes of parents and guardians will now come centre stage. They can focus on the extent of educational diversity already available in these areas in coming to their decision.
“As many people as possible who live in the areas and have children going to post-primary in the next few years should now let their voices heard.”
The online survey for parents can be accessed at www.patronage.education.gov.ie It will remain open until October 4.
The patronage process for new schools is overseen by the independent New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG).
This group, which was set up in 2011 to advise the Minister for Education and Skills on the patronage of new schools, will analyse the report on the online surveys and consider other criteria before issuing a recommendation.