The announcement by the CCMS to defer a decision on the future of St Mary's Brollagh until further research and assessment is carried out will no doubt be greeted with relief by the parents of children at the school and those parents of children considering the school in the future.

However, prior to the announcement from the CCMS, Sinn Fein MLA, John O'Dowd and Councillor Domhnall Ó Cobhthaigh attended an open meeting in the school where parents and those with an interest in the school were able to put their case to the two Sinn Fein members.

Speaking at the event Seamus Kelm, Chairman of the Parents action group, stressed the need for an 'all government department approach to the issue of sustainable rural schools and that all decisions taken on the future of these schools are Rural Proofed.'

Mr Kelm continued;

"Before decisions are made determining whether or not a school is sustainable the following need to be addressed, the socio-economic implications, geographical isolation, implications of increased transport on our young people and the rural road network, increased congestion in urban centres and the carbon footprint associated with an increased number of bus journeys around the rural roads."

John O'Dowd stated that he was not present as a proxy for the Minister for Education, Caitriona Ruane, but rather to garner information, comments and opinions in relation to options for the future for St Mary's. Mr O'Dowd said that he would be passing on the various views expressed on the night to all Ministers including the Minister for Education.

With the CCMS recommendation now deferred until further objective research has been completed there will be more time for parents and interested parties to put pressure on Stormont to copper fasten the future.