Gallagher backs rural schools in the fight against closures

 

Sinn Féin Representative for the Kells area Michael Gallagher has said that Meath Sinn Féin will stand against any closures or cutbacks to rural schools. Speaking at a protest rally outside the Dáil last Wednesday evening, Gallagher said that the forced amalgamation and closure of rural schools was another slap in the face by the FG/Lab government to the rural people of Ireland. The protest was attended by several hundred people from around the country and was addressed by speakers including Sinn Fein's education spokesperson Seán Crowe.
 
Gallagher said:
 
"This policy of amalgamation led to the closure of rural schools in the 1960's when Fianna Fáil introduced it. If repeated by the current government it is certain to lead to closures again. I applaud the people from Heronstown, Kilbeg, Mayo, and Carrickleck for coming in such large numbers to the Dáil to support their local schools, their teachers and their students. Meath Sinn Féin will be firmly behind them in the campaign against rural school closures."