The Proposal to establish a statutory Irish-medium nursery unit at Gaelscoil na mBeann in Kilkeel has been turned down.
Education Minister Peter Weir has given a thumbs down to a Development Proposal for the establishment of a statutory part-time Irish-medium nursery unit at Gaelscoil na mBeann, Kilkeel.
Commenting on his decision the Minister said: “Taking all considerations into account including statutory duties in relation to Irish-medium education, I am also bound to consider carefully all the information pertinent to any proposal to establish new provision on a case-by-case basis and the potential displacement of good quality pre-existing pre-school provision within the sector.
“The demand for pre-school places in the area is currently being met and there is scope to increase provision within the voluntary/private sector should demand for places increase.”
The Minister added: “From all the information provided it leads me to conclude that the evidence does not currently support the establishment of a statutory part-time Irish-medium nursery unit at Gaelscoil na mBeann.
On 28 April 2016, the Education Authority published Development Proposal 466, on behalf of the Board of Governors of Gaelscoil na mBeann. The proposal aimed to establish a statutory part-time Irish-medium nursery unit, with 26 part-time places at Gaelscoil na mBeann with effect from 1 September 2016, or as soon as possible thereafter.
The statutory two month objection period ended on 28 June 2016.
