Minister announces decision on Irish-medium nursery units

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has approved development proposals for new statutory Irish-medium nursery units to be established at Gaelscoil na gCrann in Omagh and Gaelscoil Uí Dhocartaigh in Strabane. Both units will offer 26 part-time places each.

Commenting on the decision, Ms Ruane said: “Approving these proposals is in line with local demand and goes some way to redressing the under-provision of Irish-medium nurseries within the statutory sector.

“I believe in giving our children the best possible start to their education. Quality pre-school education can help the development of children and improve their social and communication skills. These new nursery units will help set the foundations for a successful school life through the medium of Irish.”

Notes to editors:

Naiscoil na gCrann

1. The Western Education and Library Board published Development Proposal Number 214 on 13 May 2010, which proposes that a new Irish medium (IM) nursery unit be established at Gaelscoil na gCrann and known as Naíscoil na gCrann, from 1 September 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter. The 2-month statutory consultation period ended on 14 July 2010.
2. The provision will replace existing voluntary provision, Naíscoil na gCrann, which was established in 2003 as a voluntary pre-school facility on a site at the Dun Uladh Cultural Hertitage Centre, Ballinamullan, the same location as Gaelscoil na gCrann.
3. The Naíscoil 2009/10 enrolment was 23, of which 15 were PEAG-funded places.

Naíscoil an tStratha Báin

1. The Western Education and Library Board published Development Proposal Number 213 on 13 and 20 May 2010, which proposes that a new Irish medium (IM) nursery unit be established at Gaelscoil Uí Dhocartaigh and known as Naíscoil an tStratha Báin, from 1 September 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter. The 2-month statutory consultation period ended on 20 July 2010.
2. The provision will replace existing voluntary provision, Naíscoil an tStratha Báin, which was established in 1994.
3. The Naíscoil an tStratha Báin 2009/10 enrolment was 21, of which 17 were PEAG-funded places.

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