Public meeting on new birr gaelscoil
Chairman of Biorra le Gaeilge Cllr John Carroll has welcomed the planned provision of a new Gaelscoil in Birr for September.
Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan announced the new Gaelscoil for Birr during the week.
Cllr Carroll described it as a historic day in the history of education in South Offaly and a giant step in the promotion of the Irish language.
“The announcement has been met with excitement and enthusiasm by all who participated in the campaign and are in no doubt that the project will be a success,” Cllr Carroll remarked.
On behalf of Biorra le Gaeilge, Cllr Carroll expressed his appreciation to all who gave support or took an active role in the campaign.
While the unanimous support of Birr Town Council and Offaly County Council was very important, Cllr Carroll said, 'probably the most important role was played by the parents who participated in the diversity of patronage survey organised by the department three years ago and where the parents made clear their wish to see a Gaelscoil and an alternative patronage in education in Birr.”
Cllr Carroll welcomed the entry of An Forus Patrunachta into Birr as patron of the new Gaelscoil, which will be a co-education, multi-domination school. He said they have a proven record in Gaelscoils throughout Ireland.
Enrolment will not be confined to children who have attended our Naoinra (pre-school) but will be open to anyone from Birr and the wider area, explained Cllr Carroll.
He invited anyone interested in the proposed Gaelscoil or who wishes to get more information or put their name on enrolment list to come along to a public meeting in the County Arms Hotel on Wednesday, February 18 at 8pm.
All questions relating to the school will be answered on the night. Caoimhin O hEaghra of An Foras Patrunachta will be in attendance as will Clare Spainneach Gaelscoileanna Teo.
In conclusion, Cllr Carroll again thanked the hard working committee and parents who gave their support. He stressed that continued support will be required for this project to grow to its full potential.