Irish-medium school approved in Glengormley

The pre-school provision will be located at Gaelscoil Éanna on the Hightown Road.

The proposal, as published, was to provide 26 full-time places. However, in line with the department’s moratorium on any new or additional full-time pre-school provision, the proposal has been modified to provide 26 part-time places.

Mr Weir said: “Gaelscoil Éanna is an established and sustainable Irish-medium primary school. Numbers in the existing non-statutory pre-school suggest the proposed level of provision would also be sustainable. Taking account of all the information provided, I’ve concluded the evidence supports the establishment of a statutory part-time Irish-medium nursery unit at Gaelscoil Éanna. Whilst the department is committed to providing a pre-school place for each child in their immediate pre-school year, research has shown there is no discernible benefit to children of a longer daily pre-school session. In this instance I’ve amended the proposal and given approval for the establishment of a 26 place part-time unit.”

Deputy Mayor, Cllr Noreen McClelland said: “I’m delighted to see this approval for 26 part-time places at Gaelscoil Éanna. This is a thriving school community, providing parents with the choice of sending their children to pre-school there. It’s to be welcomed and I’m very happy to see the school going from strength to strength.”