Madigan hears case for amalgamation as she visits two Kilkenny schools

Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, Josepha Madigan visited Churchill National School and St John’s Junior School, Michael Street, Kilkenny.

She was greeted at St John’s Junior School by Board of Management Chairperson, Mary O’Hanlon, Deputy Principal, Tom Deevy, Fr Ray Dempsey, Board of Management and Brian Roche, Principal of St John’s Senior School.

The school highlighted the great teaching and learning that is being provided and the great range of teaching resources that are available to pupils, including an ASD Unit that was opened in 2021.

Minister of State Madigan, following a walkabout, acknowledged the great work and remarked that the school is a very warm inviting place but recognised that while great work is being undertaken it is limited due to lack of space. She said that she could see that all available space within the school was used for a range of teaching and supports for the pupils.

Mary O’Hanlon, Chairperson of St John’s Junior School, said they were delighted to welcome Minister Madigan and to have the opportunity to highlight all the good work in the school. She also highlighted the need for more accommodation for the various programmes being provided and that the needs of the school have grown over recent years and that a new school is now needed.

Brian Roche, Principal of St John’s Senior School also welcomed Minister of State Madigan’s visit, saying that there were similar accommodation difficulties within the school.

Mary O’Hanlon, Chairperson of the Amalgamation Committee for St John’s Junior and Senior schools pointed out that there is full agreement on the need for a new building to accommodate both schools, and this is supported by staff, parents, patron and the Boards of Management

She said the Amalgamation Committee has been working towards an amalgamation of both schools on one site for the past five years and would really welcome a decision on a new school for the eastern environs of the city.

St John’s Senior School site at Ballybough Street has been earmarked as a potential site for a new amalgamated school capable of accommodating all the needs of both schools.

Minister of State Madigan said she was aware of the needs and would be highlighting it within her department and pushing to have it progressed.

Mayor David Fitzgerald and local TD John McGuinness, who were present, also acknowledged the need for an amalgamated school to house the two schools. Both local politicians also mentioned the importance of the project for the eastern environs and the positive role a school can play in meeting the education needs of children.