O'Dowd approves closure of St Anthony's PS, Bellarena

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has approved the development proposal to close St Anthony’s Primary School, Bellarena, near Limavady.

Speaking about his decision, the Minister said: “St Anthony’s Primary School has provided excellent education to children from the local community for many years. In recent times, however, enrolments have declined to the point where this year there are only 15 pupils at the school.

“Taking all of the evidence into account, including the fact that there are many free places available in maintained primary schools in the locality, I have approved the proposal to close the school at the end of the current academic year.”