Hopes raised for up to five new Catholic schools

Hopes have been raised that up to five new Catholic schools could be opened over the next two years.

The Irish Catholic can confirm that CEIST, a Catholic schools trust founded by five religious orders, are applying for patronage of up to five of the nine new post primary schools opening next year and in 2018.

Dr Marie Griffin, CEO of CEIST, told this newspaper that the trust had expressed an interest in areas including Portlaoise in Co. Laois; Carpenterstown/Castleknock, Dublin 15; Firhouse, Dublin 24; as well as Malahide/Portmarknock and Lucan, in Co. Dublin.

The trust is now planning to engage with parents of Catholic primary schools in those areas to determine whether there is a demand.

“First of all parents have to express preference, then we submit that to the department and the Schools Establishment Group will provide a recommendation to the minister. 

“We would like to think that we have a chance but other patron bodies will be putting in submissions as well,” she said.

Admitting that taking on five new schools would be a “wonderful challenge” for CEIST, Dr Griffin insisted that “we would certainly do it because we see this as providing for the future”. 

“It’s very important for us and for our existing schools that they believe they are part of a vibrant, growing sector. So, even if it was to be hard work for a year or two we would be happy to do that because it is a provision for the future,” she said.

Diversity

Dr Griffin also urged the Government to recognise that diversity “has to work both ways”. 

“The department talks about diversity but if we are providing for diversity surely parents who want a Catholic education for their children they should at least have the option of a Catholic secondary school. Diversity has to work both ways,” she said.

CEIST is the trustee body for 110 voluntary Catholic secondary schools in Ireland.