At the meeting the Minister commended the good work undertaken to develop the school. The Minister said: “The staff, governors, parents and pupils of Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin are to be commended for their hard work and dedication in driving forward the development of their school. They have identified a genuine need for Irish-medium education and have created and sustained a vibrant resource for the community.”
Speaking about the quality of the current accommodation she went on to say: “I am aware of the conditions that pupils are currently being educated in, which fall well short of acceptable standards.”
The proposals for a new school building aim to provide fit-for-purpose accommodation for children in the North Belfast area who want to be educated through the medium of Irish.
The Minister continued: “My department is currently giving full consideration to the school’s proposals. Given the growth in Irish Medium Education and the need to ensure that education policy is based on equality, this is a key priority for my department. The business case is due to be completed in the Autumn so that a decision on funding can be taken.”
Notes to Editors:
1. Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin opened as an independent school in 2004, but gained grant-maintained status in 2007. At October 2008 it had 99 pupils enrolled.
2. The school currently operates from leased accommodation which is on a restricted site at Wyndham Drive, off the Cliftonville Road.
3. A feasibility study for a new five class base school was completed in May and an economic appraisal is currently underway. A decision on capital funding will be taken when the economic appraisal has been completed.
4. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
