Politicians Express Disappointment At Antrim School Closure

The announcement of the impending closure of Balnamore Primary School in Ballymoney, County Antrim, has been met with disappointment by local politicians.

The decision to discontinue the school with effect from August 31, 2025 was announced by the Department of Education, and made by Education Minister Paul Givan.

However, TUV North Antrim MP Jim Allister stated the Minister "could and should have done more to help."

Mr Allister said: "I am most disappointed by the DUP Education Minister's decision to close Balnamore Primary School at the end of this academic year.

"It was clear the circumstances which produced the pupil reduction in this previously thriving school was going to take longer than one year to reverse. By only allowing one year for recovery the minister assured a negative outcome.

"The infrastructure and facilities at Balnamore school are among the best in the area, but now will be lost, along with the opportunity for the school to recover to viability.

"This is a wrong-headed decision by a minister who could and should have done more to help." Meanwhile, North Antrim Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland has also expressed her deep disappointment at the decision and paid tribute to 'the extraordinary efforts of the staff, pupils and the wider community in striving to make the school sustainable, reiterating her belief the school community deserved a longer period to demonstrate the viability of their efforts'.

Ms Mulholland said: "While I understand the broader challenges in ensuring educational sustainability, it is deeply disappointing Balnamore Primary School was not afforded the time required to continue their progress and build on recent steps to make the school sustainable.

"This decision will be a difficult one for many families in the wider area, but I want to emphasise how proud they should be of everything they have done to support their school.

"I will be writing to the Minister to seek urgent clarity on the continuation of pre-school provision and to explore the potential for the school building to remain a valuable community asset.

"I will also be in contact with the Parent Teacher Association to arrange a meeting to discuss their concerns and priorities. Additionally, I will do everything I can to support families and staff through this transition period.

"The legacy of Balnamore Primary School will continue on in the achievements and spirit of its community, and I am committed to ensuring this closure does not mark an end to the site being a hub for the local community."