Major step forward for Mayo's new school
Founders of the campaign to establish Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Eo Frainc Ó Clochartaigh and Emer Mayock.
Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Eo has submitted an application to the Department of Education for the establishment of an Irish-medium secondary school in Castlebar.
The submission represents the culmination of tireless efforts by the Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Eo campaign to provide essential educational opportunities in the region.
The application demonstrates the context and relevance of introducing an Irish-medium secondary school in Mayo.
“The establishment of Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Eo is a crucial and well-timed response to the growing demand for Irish-language education in the community,” said Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Eo in a statement.
“The submission underscores the precedent for such a school and the significant level of support it has garnered from the local community.”
The campaign was founded in 2020 by Emer Mayock and Frainc Ó Clochartaigh who have since been joined by Freda Nic Giolla Chatháin and Thérèse Ruane.
Over the past three years, despite the challenges presented by pandemic lockdowns, there has been excellent progress in garnering support and building a strong foundation for Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Eo.
Accompanying the application are letters of support from local and national politicians, as well as endorsements from teachers and representatives from local sport and cultural organisations.
“These letters underscore the depth and breadth of support Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Eo enjoys across various sectors of our society,” said the promoters.
“A number of key national organisations are standing in support of the campaign, among them An Foras Pátrúnachta, Conradh na Gaeilge, Foras na Gaeilge and Gaeloideachas.
“The submission of this application is a significant step in a robust campaign which has been successful in advocating for the inclusion of the Gaelcholáiste in the Irish language plan for the town which will see the implementation of initiatives that align with the role of Castlebar as a Baile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta — Gaeltacht Service town.”
The campaign leaders have met with members of Castlebar Municipal District and have received unanimous support for the campaign. The promoters have also recently attended meetings with key politicians at Dáil Éireann.
