Public meeting on new Douglas Gaelscoil
September 30, 2011
There will be a public meeting in Douglas this week to discuss the potential opening of a new Gaelscoil in the area in 2013.
An Foras Pátrúnachta is holding a public meeting at the Rochestown Park Hotel on Tuesday, 4 October at 8pm to discuss the potential opening of a Gaelscoil. An Foras Pátrúnachta is the patron body for Irish-medium schools. Parents and guardians will also have the chance to pre-enrol their children.
Siobhán Seoighe, Executive of An Foras Pátrúnachta will be speaking on the night about the patronage offered to Gaelscoileanna. Speaking of the importance regarding the opening of a new Gaelscoil in the Douglas area, Ms Seoighe said: “The need for a new Gaelscoil in the Douglas area has been illustrated by the growing demand of places in other Gaelscoileanna locally.
“We hope to see a new Gaelscoil opening in the next two years to meet these high demands that we anticipate increasing over time.”
The 2006 census showed that the number of Irish speakers in the Cork has grown from 200,657 in 2002 to 209,950, indicating that there is interest in the language and that there may be a market for new Gaelscoileanna in Cork.
An Foras Pátrúnachta has received confirmation from the Department of Education that 20 new primary schools will be opened in the next six years. One of these primary schools will be opening in the area of Knocknacarra.
An Foras Pátrúnachta are hoping to secure sufficient support from the local community before making an application to the government, due on 7 October.
A variety of studies have shown that pupils of Irish-medium schools have achieved a higher academic standard, find it easier to learn a third language, develop an understanding and openness to other cultures and improve cognitive functioning in creativity and communication.
Cork Independent
