Minister Foley congratulates Mayo schools on achieving official recognition as Gaeltacht schools

MINISTER for Education, Norma Foley TD, has congratulated the pupils, students and teachers of the 101 primary schools and 19 post-primary schools in Gaeltacht language planning areas that have achieved recognition as Gaeltacht Schools.

15 schools in Mayo and Dúiche Sheoighe ch received the recognition at a special ceremony in Westport Town Hall Theatre last week.

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. I would like to pay special tribute to Scoil Tigh Nan Dooley, a special school located in An Cheathrú Rua, which has also achieved Gaeltacht School status.

“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.”

Revitalisation
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.”