New campaign to support Rathoath Gaelscoil
April 26, 2010
Five Irish language organisations have announced that they are cooperating in supporting a newly established Gaelscoil. Conradh na Gaeilge, Glór na nGael, Comhluadar, An Foras Pátrúnachta and Gaelscoileanna Teo. have announced that they are united in their efforts to support the founding committee of Gaelscoil Ráth Tó.
The campaign called Aitheantas (Recognition) has been established to ensure that Gaelscoil Ráth Tó gets Departmental sanction and that the provision of Irish Medium education be part of the criteria the Department uses when selecting areas for new schools.
The Department has refused to sanction Gaelscoil Ráth Tó even though the Department has stated that there is a need for more educational places in Ratoath.
The Dept. is ignoring the wishes of the parents of Ratoath and the demand for Irish Medium Education.
Speaking about the campaign, Lorcan Mac Gabhann, Glór na nGael, said that ” this is both a local and national issue. No Gaelscoil has opened since 2008. It would seem that the Dept. is unwilling to consider Irish Medium Provision when considering educational need”
Welcoming the pledges of support, Seán Ó Buachalla, Chair of the school committee, said “we have a lot of work ahead of us to ensure that Irish Medium Education is available to the Ratoath community and the stance taken by the wider Irish language community gave the parents here a great boost”.
The organisations have vowed to provide support to the Ratoath community as they demand parental rights and the response from the Dept. they deserve.
Gaelscoil Ráth Tó will open on 1st September at Ratoath GAA, Sean Eiffe Park, Brownstown, Ratoath, Co. Meath.
