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Bishop threatens closure of Wexford school over 'unprecedented' situation

Bishop threatens closure of Wexford school over 'unprecedented' situation

A school in Wexford is being threatened with closure following years of claimed unrest and staff relation issues.

Bishop of Ferns, Ger Nash, has recently taken over as interim manager of Cushinstown NS following the resignation of an outside manager who was appointed in June 2021.

The school of 200 pupils is said to have undisclosed problems with staff, which have in turn affected morale for all those involved with the school.

A mediator was deployed to address difficulties around staff relations, but efforts failed to provide any resolution.

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In late 2021 the school's board of management was dissolved with attempts to form a new board before the Christmas break proving unsuccessful.

Writing to parents of the school, the newly appointed interim school manager, Bishop Nash, said: "If these efforts fail, everything will be on the table."

"If I have no governance or management structure, then I will have to look at other possible options including divestment of patronage and/or closure of Cushinstown school."

He continued: "This is certainly not what I wish for, but I know that we cannot continue indefinitely with the situation."

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Speaking to the New Ross Standard, school principal Carol O'Reilly said the letter had "provoked upset" before going on to say that her "relationship with many of the staff... is very, very good."

Speaking to Beat news, the Bishop of Ferns' communications officer said: “With regard to Cushinstown National School the Patron’s office is dealing with an unprecedented situation and is actively working to bring about a resolution.”

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