15 December 2011
New Community Colleges planned for County Dublin
New Community Colleges planned for County Dublin
Department of Education extends deadline for Expressions of Interest from Parents
County Dublin VEC proposes five modern new multi-denominational, co-educational and fully inclusive community colleges with the highest educational standards and excellent amenities and facilities.
County Dublin VEC has confirmed it will apply for patronage of five proposed new Community Colleges in Lusk, Mulhuddart, Blanchardstown West, Dundrum and Balbriggan. The leading education provider is calling on parents to express their interest in these modern new post-primary schools and has already held several public meetings with large attendances by parents in these areas.
In the County Dublin VEC area, a new post-primary school is scheduled to open in Lusk in 2013 and the further four post-primary schools will be opened in 2014. The schools for Dundrum and Balbriggan will be Gaelcholaisti which teach through the Irish language.
The Department of Education and Skills has designated these locations as priority areas for new post-primary schools. It has also extended the deadline for parents to express their interest into February 2012, however all interested parents are strongly urged to express their interest immediately in the proposed new schools.
Under the patronage of County Dublin VEC, Community Colleges and Gaelcholaisti are State operated multidenominational and co-educational schools with a community based ethos of inclusivity and the highest educational standards. They also offer an excellent sports curriculum and many other amenities and facilities backed up by state-of-the-art technology and systems.
Parents interested in their children attending new Community Colleges or Gaelcholaisti in the above areas should express their interest now. The closing date for receipt of Expressions of Interest by County Dublin VEC is 15th February 2012.
Parents can also phone Claire Hayden at (01) 452 9600. Alternatively, they can post a letter to: Community Colleges, Expression of Interest, County Dublin VEC, 1 Tuansgate, Belgard Square East, Tallaght, Dublin 24.
Parents or guardians expressing their interest need to include their name and address, contact number, age of child(ren), and the year(s) that the children will be starting second level education. All information is treated privately and is used simply to inform the Department of Education and Skills of the level of interest received.
Dr. Marie Griffin, Chief Executive, County Dublin VEC, urged interested parents to express their interest to the VEC and to make their views known within the community.
“Our blueprint for these schools is based on our depth of experience in establishing and managing state-of-the-art Community Colleges throughout County Dublin. It’s also based on our Education Plan 2009-13 and our Ten Point Plan for these new schools, the most recent of which has been the opening of Donabate Community College.”
“Most importantly, community based school development must centre around the future education needs of our young people. Our schools are inclusive, co-educational and multi-denominational and offer a high quality educational experience that reflects modern day needs and changes in society.”
“County Dublin VEC patronage of these new Community Colleges will support and encourage the involvement of parents, teachers, elected representatives and primary school interests as the key influencers of the college’s future ethos and direction. Most importantly, it will equip our young people with the life skills and academic background that they will need for the future.”
County Dublin VEC is the local statutory education authority for the County with a heritage of over 80 years in Irish education. VEC run Community Colleges are leaders in modern day education and innovators in providing for the educational needs of young people as full members of their community and society.
The VEC’s track record and its ability to meet the changing needs and requirements of the community is widely recognised. The VEC will apply this extensive experience and expertise in quality education provision as patrons of new state-of-the-art post-primary Community Colleges.
County Dublin VEC manages 26 Community Colleges and 3 Community National Schools throughout the County Dublin region, a large area spanning from Balbriggan in the North, to Shankill in the South and to Lucan in the West.
