There was anger and frustration in the chamber of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council when it emerged equipment is being moved out of St Mary’s High School, Brollagh ahead of it’s controversial closure and in front of pupils and staff.

Councillor Bernice Swift, Independent told members this is: “Belittling and degrading treatment, with total disregard for staff and pupils alike, as well as elected representatives of the area.”

She explained equipment has been: “Picked and removed to go to other schools in front of everyone to see. It’s actually akin to the bailiffs coming. We do not want to see another rural school closure and we’ve been advised it’s not too late. This rather barbaric treatment is not acceptable and it’s happening on the watch of all those with responsibility at Stormont, particularly the Minister for Education.”

Councillor Swift demanded answers as to who authorised and is facilitating the process.

Proposing all involved should be contacted, she added: “I want to send a clear and unified message from this council that rural lives matter and rural services must be saved. This belittling and degrading treatment evidences blatant disregard for rural constituents.”

Seconding, Sinn Fein’s Councillor Anthony Feely said: “It’s desperate for kids seeing it with their own eyes. It shouldn’t be done at all but if they were going to do it they could wait until July or August. It’s just rubbing salt into wounds. Stickers are being put on items to show where they’re going, like lockers, tables and chairs. The way it’s going the kids will have no seats or desks.”

He insisted the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) are told to stop straightaway.

Councillor John Coyle, SDLP was “shocked and saddened” and told members he had written to the Minister for Education, setting out the community plan with the Education Authority (EA), Department and CCMS working as partners alongside the council.

In replying: “The Minister said he was mindful of all duties placed upon him … and on the evidence presented, the school was unsustainable. He still will not meet us. He’s holding the council in absolute contempt and abdicating responsibility … CCMS need to stop what they’re at.”

Party colleague Councillor Adam Gannon stated: “Children are having what they need for their education removed, while they are still in school. It’s totally inappropriate.”

When contacted, a spokesperson for CCMS explained: “St Mary’s High School has developed a transition plan with the support of CCMS officers. Procedures and protocols for discontinuance, in line with the Ministerial decision, are being managed in conjunction with the EA

“The school has confirmed that no resource or equipment involved in teaching and delivering of education, or from an occupied classroom, has been or will be removed until after 25 June when the school term ends. Some school lockers which were not in use have been removed, as well as equipment not in use. EA library service has undertaken some inventory work during a school day however, the library is not open to students at the moment due to restrictions. EA’s Youth Services team have also visited the Youth Club facility on site which has not been in use for a number of years.

“The school’s focus is on supporting the transition of the pupils. Staff are working collaboratively with neighbouring schools to support this as part of the transition plan. CCMS welcomes the positive engagement of the school community and the focus by all on the best interests of the students as they transition to their new schools.”

Meanwhile a Department of Education spokesperson largely repeated this confirming: “The Minister was made aware of this issue by correspondence from the Parents’ Council on 1 June.”

The Department sought an update from the school and the CCMS who responded as above.

The spokesperson concluded: “The Department would reinforce that the best interests of children and young people should be a primary consideration.”

An Education Authority spokesperson said:  “A Transition Plan is in place at St Mary’s Brollagh and has been developed with the support of CCMS, the managing authority of the school. The Education Authority are supporting CCMS and the school in respect to this Transition plan. EA library service have undertaken inventory work at the school. The library is not open to students at the moment due to restrictions. EA’s Youth Services team have also visited the Youth Club facility on site.”