12/12/2011
SDLP Boss Defends St Mary's College
A proposal to close a teacher training college in west Belfast has been criticised.
The SDLP Leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell has warned the Stormont Employment and Learning Minister that the mooted closure of St Mary's University College will have a detrimental impact on our economy.
Speaking after leading a party delegation to visit St Mary's University College on Belfast's Falls Road including West Belfast MLA Alex Attwood and party colleagues, Mr McDonnell said St Mary's was a high quality educational environment that must be protected.
The MP and MLA said: "I didn't need convincing of this but this visit has again reconfirmed my belief in the need for small specialised colleges in our university system which emphasise high quality pastoral care.
"The blind approach, however, by Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry, to try and dismantle St Mary's University College and to demolish its contribution to our educational achievements year on year is both foolish and damaging, not just to the educational system but to the future economic prosperity of Northern Ireland.
"I am calling on him not to take any precipative action which could affect the future of St Mary's. We need a debate, not about closure, but about how such niche colleges can contribute to filling gaps in our education system."
(BMcC)
The SDLP Leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell has warned the Stormont Employment and Learning Minister that the mooted closure of St Mary's University College will have a detrimental impact on our economy.
Speaking after leading a party delegation to visit St Mary's University College on Belfast's Falls Road including West Belfast MLA Alex Attwood and party colleagues, Mr McDonnell said St Mary's was a high quality educational environment that must be protected.
The MP and MLA said: "I didn't need convincing of this but this visit has again reconfirmed my belief in the need for small specialised colleges in our university system which emphasise high quality pastoral care.
"The blind approach, however, by Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry, to try and dismantle St Mary's University College and to demolish its contribution to our educational achievements year on year is both foolish and damaging, not just to the educational system but to the future economic prosperity of Northern Ireland.
"I am calling on him not to take any precipative action which could affect the future of St Mary's. We need a debate, not about closure, but about how such niche colleges can contribute to filling gaps in our education system."
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
18 May 2009
£11.5m St Mary's College Scheme Gets Go-Ahead
Work is to begin on an £11.5m Londonderry school development, it has been announced. Financial closure has been reached on the HLM and RPP joint architectural design for St. Mary's College.
£11.5m St Mary's College Scheme Gets Go-Ahead
Work is to begin on an £11.5m Londonderry school development, it has been announced. Financial closure has been reached on the HLM and RPP joint architectural design for St. Mary's College.
09 January 2024
New £1.6m Environment And Agri-Food Research Fund Announced
A new environment and agri-food research fund worth more than £1.6 million has been announced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The funding has been established through the Research and Development Partnership between DAERA and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
New £1.6m Environment And Agri-Food Research Fund Announced
A new environment and agri-food research fund worth more than £1.6 million has been announced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The funding has been established through the Research and Development Partnership between DAERA and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
21 August 2001
Strangford Lough radiation worries dispelled
A study undertaken by Department of the Environment (DOE) and University College Dublin in Strangford Lough has concluded that radiation levels are so low that there is no cause for public concern.
Strangford Lough radiation worries dispelled
A study undertaken by Department of the Environment (DOE) and University College Dublin in Strangford Lough has concluded that radiation levels are so low that there is no cause for public concern.
13 February 2012
Report Confirms School Closures
A new report has revealed that a number of schools within the Catholic maintained sector are to close. According to a report by The Commission on Catholic Education schools including St Gemma’s in Belfast, St Peter’s in Londonderry, St Mary’s in Belleek, Drumcree College, Portadown and St Eugene’s in Castlederg are set to close.
Report Confirms School Closures
A new report has revealed that a number of schools within the Catholic maintained sector are to close. According to a report by The Commission on Catholic Education schools including St Gemma’s in Belfast, St Peter’s in Londonderry, St Mary’s in Belleek, Drumcree College, Portadown and St Eugene’s in Castlederg are set to close.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.