This article is from page 14 of the 2011-11-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
DISCUSSION on plans to develop an independent all Irish secondary school in Ennis is likely to be shelved until 2014, a meeting has heard.
A proposal to develop a new independent Gaelcholáiste has been debated by Clare VEC. Gaelcholáiste an Chláir, which is currently located in the grounds of Ennis Community College, is set to benefit from a proposed new school building project.
However a proposal to delay further discussion on a proposed independent building was adopted at the November meeting of Clare VEC.
CEO George O’Callaghan told the meeting that if Clare VEC supported a proposal to develop an independent Gaelcholáiste, then the issue of school patronage would be up for competition.
He said the Department of Education and Skills had informed Clare VEC that the development of schools on new greenfield sites would initiate a competition for patronage.
Mr O’Callaghan said that it “would be in the best interest” of Clare VEC to pursue the building of the new schools extension in Ennis. He proposed that further discussion of the matter be proposed until after the extension is built. His proposal was formally seconded by the committee.
In October it was confirmed that Clare VEC will receive grant funding to carry out the works at Ennis Community College and St Anne’s Community College, Killaloe. Works will also be carried out at a school in Shannon.
A Department of Education report had predicted that enrolment at Ennis Community College would rise to 740 students in the near future, while enrolment at St Anne’s is expected to increase to 750.
There are currently 500 students enrolled at Ennis Community College. Mr O’Callaghan has previously said that the building would also alleviate pressure on Gaelcholáiste an Chláir, an Aonad that currently operates within Ennis Community College.
Clare VEC will receive a devolved grant for the projects – a 2813sq/m extension in Ennis and a 1800sq/m extension in Killaloe. Work on the Ennis project is expected to be completed by 2014.
The majority of respondents (69 per cent) to a survey conducted by Clare VEC agreed or strongly agreed that Gaelcholáiste an Chláir should move to its own campus.
The survey was carried out to assess demand for second level education through Irish in Clare.
The survey findings indicated that 88 per cent of the 854 respondents agreed or strongly agreed that Irish medium education should be available at second level.
28 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that Gaelcholáiste an Chláir should have independent status while remaining on the campus of Ennis Community College. 26 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that it should stay as it is.
The survey found that the school is estimated to grow from its current enrolment of 137 to 208 students in 2019, expanding to 242 in 2020.