Fresh call for Curriculum Sports Programme to be restored

SDLP Councillor Kate Loughran has called on the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Education Derek Baker to reinstate the Curriculum Sports Programme as six Councils across the North support motion calling for funding to be restored.

Speaking to Newry Times, Loughran said, “In November 2018, the Department of Education pulled the plug on the Curriculum Sports Programme which encouraged thousands of children to embrace a healthy lifestyle.

“The axing of this award-winning programme didn’t only impact on primary school children, 50 sports coaches also lost their jobs which was a devastating blow just before Christmas.

She continued, “Following the news that the programme was set to be axed, I brought a motion to Newry Mourne and Down District Council calling for the programme to be reinstated.

“We have now established that six councils across the North have supported the motion and written to the Permanent Secretary calling for funding to be restored.

“Without a functioning Assembly, local Councils are providing a voice for people on bread and butter issues like this.”

Councillor Loughran added, “It’s important for local Councils to unite to ensure people are heard in the absence of accountable Ministers.

“With other Councils set to join our call, the message is becoming clearer. The Curriculum Sports Programme must be restored.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Jan 18 2019. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry