Proposal for statutory part-time Irish-medium nursery unit at Bunscoil an Iúir turned down

Education Minister, Peter Weir, has turned down a Development Proposal for the establishment of a statutory part-time Irish-medium nursery unit at Bunscoil an Iúir, Newry.

Commenting on his decision the Minister said:

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

In conclusion the Minister said:

“Taking account of all the information provided it leads me to conclude that the evidence does not currently support the establishment of a statutory part-time Irish-medium nursery unit at Bunscoil an Iúir. This would also have involved the closure of the existing good quality pre-school provision. I believe that the pupils are best served by the current arrangements.”

Notes to editors: 

1. On 23 March 2016, the Education Authority published Development Proposal 455, on behalf of the Board of Governors of Bunscoil an Iúir. The proposal was to establish a statutory part-time Irish-medium nursery unit, with 26 part-time places at Bunscoil an Iúir with effect from 1 September 2016, or as soon as possible thereafter.
2. The statutory 2-month objection period ended on 24 May 2016.
3. Media queries, contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9268.

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