Proposal for Irish-medium nursery unit at Gaelscoil na Daróige turned down

Education Minister, Peter Weir, has turned down a development proposal for the establishment of a statutory part-time Irish-medium (IM) nursery unit at Gaelscoil na Daróige.

Commenting on his decision the Minister said:

“I recognise my statutory duty in relation to Irish-medium education however I am also bound to consider carefully all the information pertinent to any proposal to establish new provision. I consider each proposal on a case-by-case basis and also give regard to the potential displacement of a good quality voluntary pre-school setting.

“There are three Irish Medium (IM) primary schools within a three mile radius, two of which are currently undersubscribed for nursery provision therefore approving this proposal could create sustainability issues for all existing IM providers in the city.”

In conclusion the Minister said:

“I have taken account of all the information provided and have concluded that there is not enough evidence for the requirement of additional Irish-medium pre-school provision at Gaelscoil na Daróige. There is already sufficient provision to meet future demand for Irish-medium pre-school places in the area.”

Notes to editors: 

1. On 16 February 2016 the Education Authority published Development Proposal 454, on behalf of the Board of Governors of Gaelscoil na Daróige. The proposal was to establish a statutory part-time Irish-medium nursery unit, with 26 part-time places at Gaelscoil na Daróige with effect from 1 September 2016, or as soon as possible thereafter.
2. The statutory 2-month objection period ended on 18 April 2016.
3. Media queries, contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9207.

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