Irish language school gets the go ahead

The news has been welcomed by Sinn Féin Councillor, Anne Marie Logue, who welcomed the passing of the plans at Gael Scoil Ghleann Darach in the Glenavy Road, Crumlin.

Ms Logue said: “The progressing of plans through Council for the new Irish language school building at Gael Scoil Ghleann Darach on the Glenavy Road in Crumlin is great news.

“After an arduous and lengthy process this news has been welcomed by the school committee, parent, pupils and the local community as a whole.

“The exciting new plans will provide a modern state of the art, purpose built school to accommodate the growing demand for Irish medium education in the greater Crumlin and South Antrim area.

“I have to pay tribute to the Department of Education who recognized the need for this build through delivering funding and both Iontaobhas and parents at the school who have worked tirelessly to make this vision become a reality.

“This school is not only a excellent resource for this community but will also provide employment in terms of the construction and hopefully the future growth of the school.”

Gael Scoil Ghleann Darach was founded by local parents in November 2001 to provide Irish-medium pre-school education. Since then it has continued to grow and situated in a purpose built facility. Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach opened its doors to 8 pupils in September 2006 and has continued to develop in tandem with the Naíscoil. The school received Department of Education recognition in October 2007.