The CMETB has agreed to “undertake a robust analysis of all potential options” regarding post-primary facilities in west Cavan.
It follows a meeting this week between local representatives, stakeholders and the Education Minister over a proposed merger between St Mogue’s and St Bricin’s.
However, while the Chief Executive of the CMETB, John Kearney, has agreed “there should be a collaborative approach”, he added that “detailed data indicates a declining enrolment for both schools in the coming years”.
Mr Kearney says “declining pupil enrolments inflict profound reductions in teacher allocation and subject options” and also “present challenges in progressing school capital investment plans as viable proposals must be reinforced with increased pupil enrolments”.
The Department of Education has agreed to a request from the CMETB to amalgamate St. Bricin's College and St. Mogue's, but Mr Kearney says “other options will also be fully explored”.