Welcome news as Limerick primary school saved from closing

A COUNTY Limerick school due to close its doors in the summer has been saved, the Leader has learned.

The enrolment at Fedamore NS has been in decline in recent years with just seven pupils attending the school this term, according to the website schooldays.ie

Minister of State Niall Collins said he secured the intervention of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.

He said Bishop of Limerick, Brendan Leahy and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board have met to explore the prospect of keeping the national school in Fedamore open for the community. 

“Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board has a significant number of families in the area who have expressed an interest in a multi denominational community national school, and are very confident they can make the school viable.

“Schools are central to local communities and the loss of Fedamore NS would have been a huge blow to the locality,” said Mr Collins.

The minister of state adds that the Department of Education, Bishop Leahy, Fr Damien Ryan, parish priest, the school board of management and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board are all in agreement to progress the reconfiguration of the school. 

Bishop Leahy has written to the Department of Education to request a change to the register of patrons for 2024/2025 and the Department of Education has agreed to this update. 

The local community of Fedamore is thrilled with this plan as the village has suffered considerably in the last ten to fifteen years - the local shop, pub and other services have all closed.

For the school to close, it would be even more ominous for the community. 

Mr Collins said Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board will assume the patronage of the school and make every effort to increase the enrolment and reinvigorate the community of Fedamore. 

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“We have seen how Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board has transformed Glenroe NS and I am sure they will do same in Fedamore,” said Mr Collins.

Limerick TD and local Minister Patrick O’Donovan also welcomed the news.

“As the Minister responsible for the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) I am delighted that the Limerick and Clare ETB will become the patron of Fedamore National School.

"This decision will safeguard the future of the school in the area and I know will be welcomed by the local community".