A public meeting held in the Gillaroo Centre, Garrison last Thursday saw scores of locals turn out to lend their support to organisers, the parent council, which is opposing proposals to close St Mary’s as early as 31 August 2020. 

Following the meeting, Frank Maguire from the parent council confirmed that an extension to the consultation deadline had been granted. 

“We have been granted an extra six weeks, up until 31 July. This will enable us to submit an adequate response.” 

Mr Maguire added that the latest public meeting had been well supported. 

“Those there were glad to hear that there was an extension. We will fight hard to maintain our post primary education. 

“We would find that not only would this proposal affect the school but it if it were to go ahead it would also affect the local economy. We’re looking at potential job losses and businesses will suffer from the knock on effect. 

“Over the last while in this area we have lost a number of vital services, like the bank, and we don’t want to lose another service. It’s vital that everyone rallies round and gets behind our campaign to save St Mary’s.” 

Speaking about the impact the potential closure could have on pupils, Mr Maguire said, “To go into Enniskillen it’s 25 miles, potentially up to 28 miles depending on what back road you live on. For one child there is the potential to be lifted at 7.10am and that will see them start a 10 hour day where they won’t return home until 5.20pm. We say this is not right and immoral to force our children to do this.”

Councillor Anthony Feely, who also attended the meeting said, “I’m glad we had a good turn out at our last meeting. Since then we have heard that the council will hopefully submit a letter of objection. 

“We had Sinn Fein, SDLP and Independent councillors in attendance at the meeting. We also had Michelle Gildernew MP and Jemma Dolan MLA there.  We are all singing from the same hymn sheet. It’s encouraging to see cross party support for St Mary’s.

“I would also welcome the extension of the consultation deadline and encourage the community to back our campaign to save St Mary’s.”