The new Castlebar Educate Together School opened with 12 pupils this week in temporary classrooms amid planning objections to the proposed long term site for the school in the town.

The school was originally delayed for a year when Educate Together rejected a former disused school outside the town which was divested by the Catholic Church. Mayo Co Council have since then granted permission for the school to be based in Marsh House which is formerly the headquarters of Castlebar Urban Council and is centrally located on Newtown Street.

However, the move to Marsh House has been put on hold due to an appeal lodged by a number of local people, including Councillor Frank Durcan, to An Bord Pleanala about the proposed location.
Councillor Durkan previously described Educate Together as an ’elitist’ organisation and a drain on taxpayers’ money and has argued that there were far more pressing needs for resources in areas like the health service and upgrading of existing schools.

The outcome of the planning appeal is not expected for a number of months

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