Minister announces decision on Irish-Medium School

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has turned down a development proposal for a new Irish-medium primary school, Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí, to be established in Magherafelt.

Commenting on the decision, Ms Ruane said: “I take my statutory duties in relation to Irish Medium education very seriously and I commend the efforts of the parents in the Magherafelt area who wish to have their children educated in Irish-medium schools.

Each development proposal for a new school is considered carefully, based on all the information available. This includes evidence that any new school will be viable in the longer term and also the implications for the schools’ estate in the wider area, particularly the potential impact upon existing Irish-medium providers. At this time the school has not been able to achieve the minimum year one intakes and I am therefore not able to approve the proposal.

“Overall, we need to ensure a strategic approach is taken to the development of Irish-medium education, in line with the recommendations of the Irish-Medium Review. This will help to ensure sustainable, fit for purpose schools that qualify for capital funding.

"Both the Good Friday Agreement and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages recognise the importance of linguistic diversity and place obligations on governments to protect and encourage languages of the various communities. I have written to the school to let them know my Department will be available to advise and assist as they move forward.”

Notes to Editors:

1. On 4 June 2009, the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) published Development Proposal No. 247, which proposed to establish a new grant-aided Irish-medium Primary School in Magherafelt, from 1 September 2009 or as soon as possible thereafter. The two-month consultation period ended on 4 August 2009.

2. The pre-school Naíscoil an tSeanchaí was founded in 2004 and received PEAG funded places in 2007/08. It is currently situated in mobile accommodation at 1 Killowen Drive, Killowen Estate, Magherafelt.

3. The Committee of Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí came together in 2008 as a group of parents and others interested in Irish-medium education, to provide Irish-medium primary provision in the Magherafelt area. Seven pupils enrolled for Year 1 in September 2009.

4. Media queries, contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.