The Education Authority (EA) of Northern Ireland has unveiled its operational plan, highlighting the pressing need for more Irish-language schools in the region. Based on a comprehensive analysis of schools and pupils across 11 council areas, the plan forecasts significant changes in the educational landscape, including the requirement for two new Irish-language post-primary schools. This development comes as existing facilities face challenges accommodating growing student numbers, while demographic shifts indicate fewer primary schools will be needed in the future.
The EA's analysis underscores the necessity of expanding Irish-language education to meet demand. Currently, only two Irish-medium post-primary schools operate in Northern Ireland: Coláiste Feirste in west Belfast and Gaelcholáiste Dhoire in Dungiven. Coláiste Feirste is experiencing an accommodation "crisis" due to its burgeoning student body. At the same time, Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh in Strabane has expressed a critical need for an Irish-medium post-primary school within closer proximity, as some of its pupils endure a three-bus journey to attend Coláiste Feirste.
Aisling Nic Giolla Bhéin, a prominent advocate for Irish language education, has voiced concerns over the current state of affairs.
"It's time for the relevant authorities to stop denying the fact that this is an ever-growing sector." – Aisling Nic Giolla Bhéin
"We can't continue to be neglected." – Aisling Nic Giolla Bhéin
The call for additional Irish-language schools is not new. The EA's previous operational plan for 2022-2024 also highlighted the necessity for two new post-primary institutions. In response to growing demand, plans are underway to establish a new integrated Irish language primary school in east Belfast. Additionally, several new Irish-medium nursery and primary schools are proposed across Londonderry, Belfast, Antrim, and Swatragh.
As Northern Ireland's educational requirements evolve, the number of pupils in special schools is expected to rise from 7,600 in 2025 to approximately 8,700 by decade's end. To address this increase, the EA intends to construct new special schools. Education Minister Paul Givan has emphasized the urgency of this initiative, stating that up to eight new special schools are necessary to accommodate future demand.
Conversely, the EA anticipates a decline in the number of primary-age children over the next ten years, which could lead to a reduction in primary school facilities. This projected decrease necessitates strategic planning to ensure resources are allocated efficiently across the education sector.
The EA's operational plan has been formulated with contributions from several key bodies, including the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG), the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE), and the Controlled Schools' Support Council (CSSC). This collaborative approach aims to address the diverse needs of Northern Ireland's educational system while fostering growth in Irish-language education.
Among other projects, Scoil an Drochid, an Irish-medium primary school in south Belfast with over 180 pupils, is awaiting a long-anticipated relocation to a new site on Belfast's Ormeau Road. Such developments reflect ongoing efforts to support and expand Irish-language education in Northern Ireland.
