September 2026
The new school year began with a busy programme of work for Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta throughout September. We continued our work on behalf of the sector across a wide range of areas, including strategic work, development of provision, educational support, and advocacy. Emphasis was placed on collaboration with our partners, the needs of schools and practitioners, and the challenges and opportunities facing the Irish-medium education sector in the year ahead.
Tarlach Mac Giolla Bhríde, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer; Claire Hanna MP, SDLP Leader
Education Team
The Education Team had a busy start to the school year, taking part in a range of meetings and events relating to the development of and support for Irish-medium education.
Work on the Irish-medium Education Strategy was a major focus throughout the month. Team members attended meetings of the Irish-medium Education Strategy Working Group on 9 and 14 September. As part of this work, the focus was on Pillar 3 and issues relating to learning and teaching within the Irish-medium education sector. A full-day meeting was also held at which practitioners from the sector were invited to share their day-to-day experiences in our schools, providing a valuable opportunity for the needs of the sector to be presented from the perspective of practitioners themselves.
The team also continued their engagement in wider discussions on education. They attended a training session on the legal rights of children and young people with special educational needs, SEND Legal Rights Training: Navigating a System in Transition, as well as an information session on the Northern Ireland Curriculum and the launch of the research 'Exploring Academic Selection and Grammar Schools in NI' at Queen's University on 17 September.
Staff attended the Fóram na nÓg Conference in Hill of the O'Neill and Ranfurly House in Dungannon, which was a significant and historic day and was the first conference organised for the Irish language youth sector. These events provided further opportunities for the staff to connect with partners and young people and to enhance collaboration across the Irish language and education sector.
Development
The Development Team continued its work across the sector throughout September, supporting the development of provision and working closely with communities and stakeholders.
At the beginning of the month, the team held a meeting in relation to Naíscoil an Phiarsaigh as part of the PSEP (Pre-school Education Programme) process. This was followed by a meeting with the principal of Gaelscoil na mBeann about relocation due to the current location of the school being too small and the school's population increasing year on year. The sector was represented at the PSEP meeting in the Antrim Board Centre.
Development work continued in other areas later in the month, with a meeting in the Waterside, Derry City on 16 September. The Education Authority published a Development Proposal on Monday 28 September for the establishment of Gaelscoil an Phiarsaigh in the Waterside, Derry City. Staff met with Ardmackel Architects and the Gaelscoil an Phiarsaigh school community focusing on how accommodation will be provided for Rang a 1 pupils in September 2027. Direct contact with local communities and partners is an important part of this ongoing work as we seek to identify and support development opportunities for Irish-medium education.
Top of the Hill Masterplan
Naíscoil an Bhearnais, Cor-fhuinseoige.
Comhairle na Gaelscolaíocht is in ongoing discussions with the people of Corrinshego around the establishment of new provision. Sponsorship has been secured from a local private company and our colleagues in Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta to develop this project. The project is also supported by CLG Thomáis Dhaibhís and the club has donated a room for the use of nursery management committee. An application form has been submitted for Foras na Gaeilge's pre-school investment scheme to cover current costs.
Staff officers continued to work with the Tyrone and Fermanagh Working Group on the establishment of free-standing post-primary provision in these counties. We have produced briefing papers and met with politicians and stakeholders during our advocacy efforts. The group is currently working to bring in a consultant to produce a comprehensive case study. This will build on the action plan and the work of the group as we undertake the project.
Policy and Advocacy Team
It was a busy month for the Policy and Advocacy Team, with Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta continuing to promote the needs of Irish-medium education through engagement with policymakers, political parties and other partners within the education sector.
On 12 September, Tarlach attended the SDLP Conference, where he had an opportunity to speak with local representatives about some of the key challenges facing the Irish-medium sector. Among the issues discussed were staffing provision, SEN, and accommodation, three areas of particular importance to the growth and sustainability of the sector.
Tarlach also met with Pat Sheehan MLA to discuss the Bill relating to Irish-medium education workforce planning. This engagement formed part of Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta’s ongoing advocacy work in this area and highlighted the need for long-term workforce planning within the sector.
Tarlach Mac Giolla Bhríde, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer; Matthew O’Toole MLA, Leader of the Opposition
Looking Ahead
With the first month of the school year now behind us, Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta will continue to work in partnership with our schools, communities and partners to address the challenges facing the sector and to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
We would like to thank school staff, principals, teachers, classroom assistants, parents and all those who work alongside us in support of Irish-medium education. We look forward to another busy year and to continuing our work to strengthen and develop the Irish-medium education sector across the North.
Tarlach attended a meeting of the Area Planning Working Group (APWG), as well as a Department of Education meeting concerning demand within the integrated education sector. A partnership meeting was also held with the Education Authority’s Sectoral Support Team on 21 September, providing an opportunity to continue collaboration and discussion around the support required by the Irish-medium education sector.
As part of this support for the sector, Tarlach welcomed new principals in the Irish-medium education sector during a full-day meeting at Antrim Board Centre. This was an important opportunity to welcome the new school leaders and engage with them as they take on their new roles within Irish-medium education.
Looking Ahead
With the first month of the school year now behind us, Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta will continue to work in partnership with our schools, communities and partners to address the challenges facing the sector and to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
We would like to thank school staff, principals, teachers, classroom assistants, parents and all those who work alongside us in support of Irish-medium education. We look forward to another busy year and to continuing our work to strengthen and develop the Irish-medium education sector across the North.