Labour Councillor and Mayor, Níall McNelis, has welcomed the decision by the Department of Education and Skills to award patronage of Galway’s new second-level school to Educate Together.

“I was happy to come together with colleagues from across the political spectrum to advocate support for Educate Together, and for the grassroots group of Galway parents who have been working on this over several years.”

“This is a moment of success and recognition for their hard work and perseverance, and I think it is important to salute that.”

“The Educate Together ethos is grounded in pluralism, inclusion and diversity. We in Labour are proud of our long record of support for this progressive model – it was Ruairi Quinn as Minister who recognised Educate Together as a second-level patron, making today’s decision possible.”

“Galway children will now benefit from an increased range of opportunities at second level. I look forward to working with the new school, and its pupils, in the years to come.”