Irish Sub-committee

At its most recent meeting Co. Louth VEC appointed a sub-committee to assess the demand in the county for all Irish education provision at post-primary level, and to determine how best this demand might be serviced. The sub-committee will present its findings and recommendations to a meeting of the full VEC later this year. It is expected that the committee will then take appropriate steps to progress the matter.

Speaking at the meeting the CEO of Co. Louth VEC, Dr. Pádraig Kirk said that “the government’s 20 year strategy for the Irish language recommends that Gaelscoileanna will continue to be supported at primary level and all-Irish provision at post-primary level will be developed to meet follow-on demand”. Dr. Kirk went on to say that “currently in Co. Louth there is significant provision of Gaelscoileanna at primary level, but this is not matched by follow on provision at post-primary level”.

Currently, there are two all Irish schools at primary level in the county catering for some 400 pupils between them. There is also an all Irish primary school close to Drogheda catering for well over 100 pupils. In addition, an application has been lodged with the Department of Education and Science for the establishment of a Gaelscoil in Dunleer.

The VECs sub-committee comprises of Cllr. Tomás Sharkey and Cllr. Liam Reilly, both of whom are second-level teachers by profession. Each of the VECs second-level schools throughout the county are also represented on the sub-committee and include Catherine Page from Bush Post-primary School, Michael Woods from O’Fiaich College, Trudy Rossiter from St. Oliver’s Community College in Drogheda and Fiona Ní Chonaill from Scoil Uí Mhuirí in Dunleer. A number of external personnel with expertise in the development of the Irish language have also been appointed to the committee including Eamon Kinch, a former member of Co. Louth VEC, who has been elected Chair of the committee.

The committee has met twice already on 9th March and 12th April and are meeting again on the 10th May. It is expected that they will consult widely with relevant interest groups and bodies.