Fermanagh’s only Irish-medium school, Bunscoil an Traonaigh in Lisnaskea, is celebrating today after an application for the establishment of a 26 place statutory nursery unit in September 2024 was approved by the Education Minister yesterday.
Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG) warmly welcomes the decision to establish the new nursery unit at the Bunscoil.
Maria Thomasson, CEO of CnaG paid tribute to the hard work, commitment and dedication of the staff and governors of Bunscoil an Traonaigh in getting to this point. Maria also acknowledged the staff of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta who supported the governors in making their application to DE and thanked DE officials for their contributions. Maria extended a special word of thanks to the Education Minister, Paul Givan for his continuing commitment to Irish-medium education:
‘CnaG, and the wider Irish-medium education sector is delighted at the news that Bunscoil an Traonaigh will soon enjoy the many benefits of a statutory nursery. This provision will further enhance Irish-medium education in Lisnaskea and will help to secure the future of Irish-medium education in County Fermanagh. I wish to acknowledge and thank all those involved in reaching this point. I pay tribute to the unending dedication and commitment of the governors, staff and parents of Bunscoil an Traonaigh. I am grateful to the staff of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta and DE officials who supported and facilitated this application through the Area Planning process. In particular, I wish to thank Education Minister, Paul Givan for taking this decision, which is the latest in a series of favourable decisions he has taken recently concerning Irish-medium schools. Minister Givan is to be commended for his continuing commitment to the Irish-medium education sector.’
Maria continued, ‘This is an exciting time for Bunscoil an Traonaigh following the recent appointment of Caoimhe Ní Ghrianna as Principal of the school. Caoimhe will take up her position also in September 2024 and I wish her well in her new role. I and my colleagues at CnaG congratulate Bunscoil an Traonaigh and the wider Irish-medium community in Lisnaskea on this significant milestone and we look forward to working with staff and governors to continue to grow and develop the school in the coming years.’