Reaction to new Portlaoise School having Aonad Lán-Gaeilge

Here follows reaction of Coiste Bunaithe Phortlaoise to the news that the new Portlaoise School is to have an Aonad Lán-Gaeilge.

“Tá áthas an domhan orainn a rá go mbeidh Aonad Lán- Ghaeilge ag teacht chuig Phortlaoise sa bhliain 2017. Beidh deis ag na scoláirí ó seo amach oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge a fháil. Níl orthu taisteal chuig Nás na Ríogh nó Ceatharlach a thuille. Is céim mór é do feabhas agus flúirseacht na Gaeilge. Agus tá súil againn go rachaidh sé ó chumahcht go cumhacht.

We, Coiste Bunaithe Phortlaoise, as a committee are delighted with this announcement. It has been years of hard work and indeed previous committees tried to get a provision for the Irish language at post-primary level without success but we have built on their work and the community as a whole has supported this campaign.

Minister Bruton stated “I am pleased that parents had an opportunity to express their preference as to whether they wish their child to be educated through the medium of English or Irish. I am very pleased that as a result of the parental preferences and assessment of existing Irish-medium provision in each area, the new post-primary school to serve the Portlaoise area will have an Aonad Lán-Gaeilge”.

Reaction of Coiste Bunaithe Phortlaoise to the news

Indeed it is excellent that the Minister listened to the parental preference and realised that the Irish language is alive and flourishing here in Portlaoise and around the country. Our children will be serviced well by this provision with the joint patronage of Laois Offaly ETB and An Foras Pátrúanchta for years to come.

The members of Coiste Bunaithe Phortlaoise, Sarah Jane Uí Laoighire, Cliff Ó Meachair and Melinda Uí Nialláin would like to thank everyone who has supported this campaign over the years.”