Ruadhán Jones
CEIST, a Catholic patron body that includes Mercy and Presentation schools, are looking to provide “high-quality Catholic education” for two new schools in Meath and Wexford.
The Department for Education are currently seeking patrons for schools in Gorey, Co. Wexford, and Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath, to be opened in 2022.
The Department have asked parents to vote for their preference online, with CEIST, Educate Together and ETB all contending.
Fr John Carroll, spokesperson for the Diocese of Ferns which includes Gorey, said that he was delighted CEIST have expressed their interest.
“We hope they’re successful with their bid, really,” he said. “They have a good record, they stand for values and a Faith outlook that not only do we support but that we promote as well.
Respected
“Whatever people can say about Catholicism, when it comes to education or healthcare, Catholicism is not only a major provider, but an internationally well respected provider. Catholic education is a very sought after product throughout the world. We’re lucky to have so much of it in abundance locally.”
Tradition
CEIST CEO Clare Ryan said they expressed interest following calls from parents, and have committed to continuing “a very long tradition of providing really high-quality Catholic education in Ireland”.
“We’re interested in setting up a school in Gorey because parents have asked us to,” Ms Ryan said. “We’re conscious in Gorey of the very good tradition of education that is provided through the joint patrons of the Community School.
“Parents want more of that – they want the kind of education that a Catholic Trust such as our own can provide. Catholic education is a global brand with the highest of reputations.”
Although CEIST is a relatively new body, Ms Ryan is confident that they can continue to meet the high standards expected of Catholic education.
“We’re tried, tested and trusted,” she said.