Diocese approves Catholic primary school becoming multi-denominational

A 290-pupil Catholic primary school is changing ethos to turn multi-denominational as part of the Department of Education’s diversity process and with the approval of the local diocese.

Cornamaddy NS in Athlone, Co Westmeath will become a community national school under the auspices of Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB). Athlone is in the diocese of Ardagh & Clonmacnois.

It follows months of discussions within the school community, with the assistance of a department-appointed facilitator.

Following engagement with the school community, it is up to the bishop formally to decide whether or not to go ahead with a proposed transfer and to advise the Department.

The department announced Thursday that the local bishop had notified the department of his intention to transfer patronage of the school under the Schools Reconfiguration for Diversity Process.

Education Minister Norma Foley said she was “delighted that this transfer of patronage will increase diversity of provision in the area and that there will be a multi-denominational primary school option for parents in Athlone.”