Minister of Education supports amalgamation of two Kilkenny city schools

A promising future lies ahead for two Kilkenny city schools as they set their eyes towards amalgamation.

St John’s Junior School and St John’s Senior School voiced their shared consensus for amalgamation to Minister of Education Norma Foley last Friday during her whistle-stop tour of Kilkenny.

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In total the Minister visited five local schools, also calling into CBS Primary, Kilkenny Model School and School of the Holy Spirit.

The timing of the Minister’s visit was incredibly significant, taking place on the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

It was perhaps most fitting that she was greeted on her arrival into the Marble City by the Ukrainian students of St John’s Junior School.

The staff and pupils of the school set the tone for the visit, issuing a warm and sincere welcome to the visiting committee.

The value of this visit for St John’s Junior and Senior Schools cannot be understated.

Despite the schools’ success in delivering quality education to their pupils, it was made clear to the Minister that they are currently pushed for space and resources.

Upon her arrival at Saint John’s Senior School, Principal Brian Roche gave the Minister a comprehensive tour and overview of the school’s site on Ballybough Street and its potential for future development.

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When quizzed by the media, the Minister recognised the need for additional space in both schools and commended the ‘universal consensus’ of both schools towards future amalgamation.

She also pledged her support for the amalgamation and for the development of new school facilities on Ballybough Street.

A ‘positive’ meeting was then held between the Minister and representatives of both schools as part of the visit, according to Mary O’Hanlon, Chairperson of St John's Junior School.

Minister Foley further confirmed that she is actively working with the Planning and Building Unit of the Department of Education towards developing a long term amalgamation solution that will fit the needs of both schools.

The School Capital Appraisal Section of the Department’s Planning and Building Unit will be responsible for processing the application from the two city schools for major capital funding.

The two schools are hopeful that quick progress can be made in this regard, and school representatives confirmed that they are pushing for the timely acquisition of that relevant capital funding.

Minister Foley commended both schools for their ‘spirit of inclusion’ on what was a hugely symbolic day.