Omagh Gaelscoil celebrates announcement of new build
June 25, 2014
Gaelscoil na gCrann in Omagh is celebrating today after Education Minister John O’Dowd announced a new build for the school which is currently housed on a temporary site. Gaelscoil na gCrann is one of 15 primary and post primary schools that will benefit from the £170 million capital investment, which has been set aside for school building projects. Deirdre Ui Cheallaigh, principal of Gaelscoil na gCrann, welcomed today’s news. “We are all really excited here at the school”, she told the UlsterHerald just moments after she had received a phonecall to inform her that the school would be getting a new build. The Irish medium school which first opened in 2006, has since existed on temporary accommodation for the last eight years. Mrs Ui Cheallaigh explained the new building is, “overdue and well deserved” as the school faces an ever increasing demand for places. However a time-scale for the start of the new build is not yet clear. Minister John O’Dowd announced the funding to the assembly saying, “All across the north there are a range of schools which are in dire need of investment. “Unfortunately that need far exceeds the funding available. “Therefore the schools benefiting today represent the highest priority projects which have successfully come through a rigorous selection process.” Speaking specifically on his proposed investment to the Irish medium sector, and in particular Gaelscoil na gCrann, the Minister for Education said, “Gaelscoil na gCrann is a flourishing Irish Medium school that is why it has scored so highly to merit a new build. “It has flourished as a result of the strong leadership – and the community is involved in the school.” Declan McAleer, West Tyrone MLA also addressed the assembly welcoming the Education Minister’s announcement. He said, “This is excellent news and the culmination of a superb year for Gaelscoil na gCrann. “The announcement added to the pupil’s success already this year – they were crowned All Ireland drama champions in April.” The Tyrone MLA also has children who attend the school who will benefit directly from the new build. He added, “As a parent, I can bear witness to the first class education experience that the children receive at the school. “The staff are highly dedicated and there is a very close knit school community which creates an excellent learning environment.” Mr McAleer also commended Minister O’Dowd and his department for, providing funding for Irish medium education in the area, “This is a flourishing sector and today’s announcement of a new build will enable Irish-medium education in the Omagh area to grow and develop into the future.” The Minister for Education concluded his announcement for major capital works by saying, “Today represents good news for schools and for their communities. It is also good news for the economy. “With £170 million of capital investment this will be a welcome boost for the construction industry over the coming years.”
Ulster Herald
