EA confirms Ardnabannon OEC to close

By Iveren McCallion

The closure of one of three outdoor pursuits facilities here will definitely go ahead, the Education Authority's (EA) confirmed.

Ardnabannon will be closed after 12 weeks public consultation, a period of indecision, and despite public protests.

Killowen in Kilkeel and Killyleagh's Delamont which were also targeted for closure, will be re-purposed.

The decision's prompted outrage with a union representative calling it 'unbelievable' given the amount of public support to keep it open.

NIPSA's southern region representative Helena McSherry told Q Radio it's a bad outcome for both staff and service users:

South Down MLA Colin McGrath says the EA has 'no authority' to close the Castlewellan facility.

Speaking to Q Radio, he said they've made the wrong decision, and without a minister in place to sanction it, it should be reversed:

In a statement yesterday (Tuesday), Director of Children and Young People's services, Dr C Mangan said, "The ultimate goal is to improve the educational outcomes for all children and young people engaged with and through the youth service. I believe that this model of Outdoor Learning will contribute to positive long-term outcomes for children and young people throughout Northern Ireland."