Three Meath schools officially recognised as Gaeltacht schools
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Teachers and pupils from Meath schools Coláiste Pobail, Ráth Chairn, Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh Ráth Chairn and Scoil Ultain Naofa, Baile Ghib, with Minister of State at the Department of Education, Thomas Byrne. The schools were among 40 others who presented with “Scoil Ghaeltachta” recognition awards at the Connemara Coast Hotel, Forbacha, Galway. Sean O MainninImage 2 of 3
Meath pupils Saileog Ní Thuama, Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh, and Beibhinn Ní Riain, Scoil Ultain Naofa, Baile Ghib, right, with Thomas Byrne, Minister of State at the Department of Education. Saileog and Beibhinn's schools were among 40 presented with "Scoil Ghaeltachta" recognition awards at the Connemara Coast Hotel, Forbacha, Galway Monday, October 21. Pic: Seán Ó Mainnín Sean O MainninImage 3 of 3
Gradam 'Scoil Ghaeltachta' being presented to pupils and teachers from Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh, Co Meath: Ray Ó Díomasaigh, Úna Uí Thuama, Macdara Ó Tuama and Saileog Ní Thuama Also pictured is special guest Niamh Ni Chróinín, Cúla4_TG4 and Gary Ó Donnchadha, Deputy Chief Inspector, Department of Eucation. The award ceremony took place at the Connemara Coast Hotel, Forbacha, Galway, Monday (Oct21) Pic: Seán Ó Mainnín Sean O MainninThree Meath schools are among the 101 primary schools and 19 post-primary schools in Gaeltacht language planning areas that have achieved official recognition as Gaeltacht Schools.
Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, and Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne, TD congratulated the pupils, students and teachers of the Coláiste Pobail Ráth Cairn, Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh, Ráth Chairn, Áth Buí and Scoil Náisiúnta Ultain Naofa, Baile Ghib at and event held at Connemara Coast Hotel on 21st October. Representatives from the schools attended to celebrate their achievements in gaining recognition as Gaeltacht Schools.
Last Monday's event was for Gaeltacht schools from Connemara, the Aran Islands and Ráth Chairn/Baile Ghib. Similar events took place in Tralee, Co Kerry; Westport, Co Mayo and Ghaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal for schools from other Gaeltacht areas.
The Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme was launched in 2017 and is a cornerstone of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education. The aim of the scheme is to support the use of Irish in Gaeltacht communities and to promote the Irish language by strengthening Irish-medium educational provision in Gaeltacht language-planning areas.
The scheme provides an opportunity for schools in Gaeltacht language-planning areas to seek recognition as Gaeltacht Schools. Schools must meet specific language-based criteria to achieve this recognition. Additional targeted supports are provided to schools to support them in implementing the Scheme. 102 primary schools (including one special school) and 29 post-primary schools in the Gaeltacht are participating in the Scheme in the 2024/25 school year.
Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD, said: "I would like to congratulate all of the students, teachers and parents of these primary and post-primary schools on their achievement in gaining recognition as Gaeltacht Schools.
"Gaeltacht Schools have reached an important milestone in achieving this recognition. A great deal of work has been done by the staff and leaders of the schools, as well as their students, to achieve recognition. I would also like to mention the support of the local language planning officers for the part they played in the process. Schools have also received significant support from the wider community to ensure that a high standard of Irish-medium education is provided across the curriculum."
Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, said: "When the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme was established, the Department of Education aimed to revitalise, promote and expand the use of Irish in Gaeltacht school communities. It is clear to me, in my dealings with Gaeltacht communities, that this aim is being met, and that the use of Irish is now being promoted widely in schools.
"I would like to congratulate the pupils and students, teachers and school leaders on achieving recognition for their schools. I would like to thank the school communities for their commitment and dedication in implementing the criteria for recognition."