By Ryan Sands
A trade union has urged the scrapping of proposals to shut Kilclief’s St Malachy’s Primary School.
In a statement released on Tuesday, UNISON NI and the UNISON Down Education Branch called on Education Minister Paul Givan to “step in and immediately halt” the plan, which has been proposed by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS).
“UNISON stands in full support of the amazing staff, dedicated parents, and spirited children who, alongside the wider local community, are fighting tirelessly to protect their school,” the statement read. “St Malachy’s is more than just a building – it is a vital rural institution that has served generations.”
The union said it would continue to fight alongside the school community “until we receive official confirmation that St Malachy’s is staying open.” It added that rural schools are “the heartbeat of our communities” and warned that closing them would “strip away the social and educational fabric of the area.”
UNISON regional organiser Conor McCarthy said: “The Department of Education and the Education Authority cannot claim to be committed to improving educational outcomes while simultaneously closing the very schools that provide a nurturing, high-quality environment for pupils. Closing schools and improving outcomes are two statements that simply cannot both be true.”
St Malachy’s has thanked UNISON for visiting the school on Friday and for organising activities for pupils. “These thoughtful gestures reflected UNISON’s genuine support for our school community and their wider campaign highlighting the importance of rural schools,” the school said. “Throughout the event, UNISON representatives spoke with children, staff, and families, offering encouragement and reinforcing their commitment to our cause.”
Last year, the council unanimously backed a motion – tabled by Aurla King (SDLP, Downpatrick) and Jarlath Tinnelly (Independent, Crotlieve) – opposing plans to close both St Malachy’s and Killowen Primary School by August 2027.
