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’Coláiste Chineál Eoghain closure a ‘disgrace’

April 21, 2015

The closure of Colaiste Chineal Eoghain could also serve as the “death knell” for the peninsula’s Irish language primary and pre-schools, according to a loal TD.

Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn said: “If you’re a parent who wants their children to go through their education in the Irish language you’ll want them to do so through primary, secondary and be fluent by the time they get to university. If the secondary school closes, some may not opt to send their child to the national school.”

Deputy MacLochlainn said “all the issues need to be sorted out.”

“What we won’t be doing is accepting that there won’t be an Irish language secondary school in Inishowen,” he said.

Minister Joe McHugh described the news as “very upsetting.”

He said the school’s ‘temporary status’ which was “difficult for parents to give a commitment to.”

He said: “There are excellent teachers there and pupils who have excelled. I have learned there is a huge appetite and love for the Irish language in Inishowen and we need to do everything in our power to keep it open. Also, taking away that temporary status would increase confidence.”

Colm Og MacLochlainn, who is part of the campaign to keep the school open, said the school had been getting the required number of pupils.

“One bad year and they decide to close it. It’s a disgrace and unacceptable.”

http://www.derryjournal.com/news/colaiste-chineal-eoghain-closure-a-disgrace-1-6694954