O’Dowd approves closure of Gortnagarn Primary School, Omagh, Co Tyrone

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has approved a development proposal to close Gortnagarn Primary School in Omagh.

Commenting on the decision the Minister said:

“Gortnagarn Primary School has provided excellent education to children from the local community, however over the years the school have suffered from declining enrolments.

Therefore, having considered all the relevant information, including that there are 251 unfilled places within five other maintained primary schools within a four mile radius of the school, I have decided to approve the proposal to close Gortnagarn Primary School, Omagh, but not until 31 August 2016.”

In conclusion the Minister paid tribute to everyone connected with Gortnagarn Primary School who over many years have shown their commitment and dedication to the school and its pupils.

Notes to editors: 

1. On 14 January 2015, the Western Education and Library Board (WELB), at the request of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), published Development Proposal No. 268, proposing that Gortnagarn Primary School close from 31 August 2015, or as soon as possible thereafter.  The two-month objection period ended on 16 March 2015.
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