Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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31. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school (details supplied); her plans for the continuity of Irish-medium education in Dundalk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34884/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of Irish-medium education is a priority for my Department and this Government, and we share a strong commitment to increasing the number of Irish-medium places available and providing suitable accommodation in this regard. 

As the Deputy may be aware, in early 2021 I approved a proposal for a new satellite model of Irish-medium post-primary provision to be piloted in Dundalk.  The model involves a satellite/Dundalk-based campus of An Foras Pátrúnachta’s Balbriggan Gaelcholáiste – Coláiste Ghlór na Mara.

This pilot offers parents in Dundalk a new choice for Irish-medium provision, in addition to existing provision provided by schools in the area. The learning from the pilot may assist in the potential development of an enduring policy/approach for the application of this model elsewhere, subject to successful review.  

The patron of Coláiste Ghlór na Mara deferred the opening of the Dundalk campus to September 2023. The school patron has secured a building from which it is intended that the pilot satellite will operate and a lease is in place. Preparations are underway to ensure its readiness to accommodate the satellite. A Deputy Principal has also been appointed and is organising engagement with the local community and events to increase awareness of the satellite, with a view to having healthy enrolment numbers for September 2023.