It’s claimed that achieving Gaelscoil status could allow O’Callaghan’s Mills National School to provide additional supports for students, both inside and outside the classroom.
It comes as the school’s patron, Bishop Fintan Monaghan, has given permission for the board to explore the possibility of education through Irish.
A survey carried out by the school found that more than 100 people in the area would be interested in an Irish-medium school in the locality.
Subject to the necessary approvals, the school would begin an eight-year transition next September, starting with a class of around 10 junior infants.
The additional class would see the school’s population grow by around 50 per cent, allowing it to return to a three-classroom model with the introduction of an Irish-language immersion class.
Principal of O’Callaghan’s Mills NS, Gráinne Conlon, says this expansion would also allow them access to additional support and special education hours.
The proposal comes amid wider interest in Irish-medium education, with advocates pointing to the benefits of learning through a minority language.
If approved, O’Callaghan’s Mills would become the fifth primary Gaelscoil in Clare.
Across Europe, more than 45 million students are learning a minority language in schools.
Irish-language enthusiast and presenter of Clare FM’s Cúl Chaint, Domhnall Ó Loingsigh, says there is a growing interest in Irish-medium education because of the advantages it offers.
Listen to the full interview here:
