May 2026
Members of the Norwegian delegation: Noregs Mållag
Over the past month, Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta has been extremely active in promoting and supporting Irish-medium education across the North. From professional events to strategic meetings and high-level advocacy, our teams have continued to work diligently in the best interests of the sector.
Education Team
It was a busy month for the Education Team as they strengthened partnerships and addressed key issues within the sector. A partnership meeting was held with the Sectoral Support Team in the Education Authority, where ways to provide enhanced support to our schools were discussed.
L-R: Eimear Nic Coitir, CnaG; Clare Donnelly, Principal Scoil an Droichid; Orla Flanagan, Irish Medium Lead Advisor for Curriculum Reform, Department of Education; Christine Mhic Colaim, CnaG.
In addition, the team attended a series of events related to the TransformEd initiative, expanding their knowledge of educational innovation, and building professional networks across the sector.
The team also had a valuable opportunity to meet with a group of Irish-medium school principals in Belfast. They engaged in open discussions about the challenges arising from the new curriculum and shared ideas and recommendations to help shape future solutions.
The education team met with researchers from Ulster University and Stranmillis University College. Upcoming research was discussed around assessments and resources for Irish-medium schools. Keep an eye out for this!
Development Team
The Development Team continued its work to expand and strengthen Irish-medium education across communities. Advice and support were provided to groups in Newry as they developed a demand survey for a Naíonra (Irish-medium preschool) — an important step in growing provision in the area.
Team members also attended a meeting of the Area Planning Working Group (APWG), as well as a sub-group relating to the Skeoge area of Derry City, ensuring that the needs of Irish-medium education are represented in regional strategic planning.
A number of other important meetings were held during the month, including:
Engagement with the school build project team for Scoil an Droichid
Meetings with the committee of Naíscoil & Gaelscoil an Phiarsaigh and Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta (InaG) and with the Planning Department in Derry City regarding the Top of the Hill Masterplan.
Ongoing discussions around Irish-medium post-primary provision in Tyrone and Fermanagh
This work clearly reflects a continued commitment to strengthening and expanding Irish-medium education opportunities.
Top of the Hill Masterplan
Chief Executive (CEO)
Our Chief Executive, Maria also had a busy schedule:
Maria attended the 25th anniversary celebrations of Gaelscoil na Móna, marking the growth and success of Irish-medium education in Belfast.
Held a meeting with senior officials from CCMS to discuss ongoing collaboration.
Maria participated in a meeting of Management Side.
Attended a meeting of the Irish-medium education subcommittee of the Education Authority Board. Maria also took part in a meeting of the GAR with departmental officials.
L-R: Gerard Larking,(Vice Principal, Gaelscoil na Móna), Maria Thomasson (CEO, Comahirle na Gaelscolaíochta), Cairean Uí Muireagáin (Principal, Gaelscoil na Móna), Orla Flanagan (Chair, Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta)
Advocacy
Advocacy work remained a strong focus throughout the month:
A key meeting took place with the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Education to discuss funding issues within the education system.
A meeting was held with Pat Sheehan MLA to discuss Sinn Féin’s proposed bill on establishing a Workforce Plan for the Irish-medium education sector.
We also had the privilege of hosting a delegation from Norway, Noregs Mållag (The Norwegian Language Society), where experiences and best practices in minoritised language promotion were shared.
Looking Ahead
Through strong partnerships, ongoing development, and active advocacy, we are helping to build a bright future for the next generation.