Meeting scheduled to discuss changes to small schools

A large crowd is expected to congregate in the Tullamore Court Hotel this evening, February 13, as people from across Offaly come together to voice their dissatisfaction at the proposed increase in class sizes, which will affect over half the 65 primary schools in Offaly. Up to 35 schools will need increased pupil numbers if they are to retain current teacher numbers in their local schools. The organisers of the meeting said in a statement this week: "Following the imposition of huge increases in bus ticket prices and the dilution of the closed school rule it is seen as a further attack on people in isolated areas in rural Ireland." Councillor John Leahy, a member of the Board of Management in two small schools has brought together local representatives of INTO, IPPN, IFA, GAA and other organisations with an interest in local affairs and an adhoc committee has been formed to challenge the measures announced in the recent Budget, which may lead to the closure of some schools if allowed to go ahead. The meeting will commence at 7.30pm and anyone with an interest in the issue of small school survival is invited to attend. All public representatives are invited to attend on the evening also.