The Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has approved a proposal for a new satellite model of Irish-medium post-primary provision to be piloted in Dundalk. The model involves a satellite /Dundalk-based campus of An Foras Pátrúnachta’s Balbriggan Gaelcholáiste – Coláiste Ghlór na Mara.

Piloting the Irish-medium satellite model provides an opportunity to explore a model which could have strategic benefits and applicability elsewhere in the country where the establishment of a stand-alone gaelcholáiste is not currently feasible but where there may be a level of unmet demand for Irish-medium post-primary education.

Minister Foley said: “The provision of Irish-medium education is a priority for my Department and this Government, and we share a strong commitment to increasing the number of Irish-medium places available.

“I am delighted to be able to confirm approval for this model on a pilot basis. This pilot offers parents in Dundalk a new choice for Irish-medium provision, in addition to existing provision provided by schools in the area. The learning from the pilot may assist in the potential development of an enduring policy/approach for the application of this model elsewhere, subject to successful review. I wish An Foras Pátrúnachta and Coláiste Ghlór na Mara the very best with this pilot initiative and I look forward to hearing how the initiative develops.”

Source: education.ie

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