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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has unanimously opposed the potential closure of two Co Down primary schools with a proposal to bridge the gap for special education needs (SEN).
The Council approved a recent motion to “stand with rural communities” as the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) launches a public consultation on their future in the coming weeks.
Councillors are now seeking the CCMS to develop SEN as a way to both save the rural schools amid a need to fill 6,000 more places at special schools, according to the Education Authority (EA).
Bringing forward the motion, Downpatrick councillor, Aurla King said: ”This council notes with deep concern the proposal by CCMS to close Killowen Primary School, Rostrevor and St Malachy’s Primary School Kilclief by August 2027.
“Whilst recognising the closures are subject to a public consultation it is the position of this council that any closure of these schools will be significantly detrimental to the children of these areas, their families and the wider communities.
“In relation to St Malachy’s council recognises the deep roots and long-standing contribution of the schools to community life, and acknowledges the strong opposition to closure from parents, staff, pupils and residents.
“The council further believes that all efforts should be made to explore viable alternatives to closure, including the potential expansion of special educational needs (SEN) provision on the existing site, to serve families across the wider district.”
She added: “In relation to Killowen, the council is concerned at the potential negative impact that the decision may have on the other main Catholic primary school, St Bronagh’s.
“This council will therefore write to the CCMS to express our opposition to both these proposed closures and request that they be withdrawn forthwith.
“Furthermore we request that engagement between the CCMS and board of governors commence at the earliest opportunity.
“We also ask the CCCMS to explore opportunities to invest in and expand SEN provision at the St Malachy’s site to meet growing regional demand.”
Crotlieve councillor, Jarlath Tinnelly added:”These closures should never become normalised, nor should they go unchallenged.
“Whilst recognising that each rural school may have their own unique challenges, the true value of these institutions cannot be measured in monetary terms alone.
“Often, the threat of closure hangs like the Sword of Damocles over these schools, not unlike the uncertainty around the local hospitals.
“This frequently becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy as parents relocate their children to other schools not under threat, decreasing the numbers in the rural school as a result.
“This inadvertently provides justification for closing the school. This council needs to stand with our rural communities by standing firm in our opposition to these closures.”
St Malachy’s PS principal Ciaran Clifford said: ”The proposal by CCMS to close St Malachy’s Kilclief would have a devastating impact for the local community as the school is very much at the forefront of all that occurs within the Kilclief area.
“At this stage of the process, I want to express great thanks to everyone who has contributed to the dialogue so far, acknowledging the emotional impact of this potential change.
“St Malachy’s has been a place of learning, growth, and cherished memories for generations, in fact the school is actually 157 years old.
“I encourage all community members to participate in the consultation and share their views."
A message on Killowen PS social media reads: “We call on the CCMS to withdraw its proposal to close Killowen Primary School and to work with local parents, governors, and parish representatives to identify a fair and sustainable way forward for Catholic education in Kilbroney Parish.
“Killowen PS is an important part of our parish life, a small school with a big heart that supports children with additional needs, provides full-time reception places for working families, and serves as a community hub for Killowen and Lisnacree.
“We urge CCMS to listen to local voices and protect Catholic education in our rural community.”
Both the Department of Education (DE) and the Education Authority (EA) said the future of the schools at this stage including any development plans for SEN were a matter for the CCMS.
A CCMS spokesperson said: “Operational Plan 2 of the Strategic Area Plan 2022 – 2027, was published on 16 January 2025.
“This included a work stream for the Strangford and Kilclief area in which the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) proposed to review maintained primary school provision in the area.
“CCMS plans carry out a pre-publication consultation with parents, staff and governors from St Malachy’s Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary School on the future of primary provision in the area.
“The consultation is due to commence later this year. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide feedback to the proposal being consulted on.”
Check out savekillowenschool.co.uk for more information.
