This article is from page 7 of the 2011-11-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 7 JPG
A SURVEY on the demand for second-level education through Irish states that an “admissions crisis currently exists in Ennis”. The report, which looks at the public’s preference for the future of Gaelcholáiste an Chláir, was carried out on behalf of Clare VEC. It includes interviews with school educators from all secondary schools in Ennis.
The report states, “All spoke of their love for the Irish language and wished to encourage Irish-medium education at primary and secondlevel throughout the county.”
It goes on to say that “One educator emphasised that, in his/her view, an independent Gaelcholáiste an Chláir will help the admissions crisis that currently exists in Ennis, and create more choice for pupils.”
The report states that there “is well documented demand for school places in Ennis”.
It adds, “Both St Flannan’s and Rice College are oversubscribed and Scoil Mhuire for girls is full. The Department of Education has stated that the demand for primary education in the county will increase by 10 per cent over the next five years and secondlevel education by 3.8 per cent. This means the demand for places in Ennis schools will continue to increase. The majority of the educators interviewed were in favour of Gaelcholáiste an Chláir’s expansion.”
The report states that, according to two other secondary school principals, “There is likely to be a significant demand for places at Gaelcholáiste an Chláir if it has space to expand and develop its own ethos and identity.” Another said that there is likely to be “much demand” for an independent school.
Primary school educators also contributed to the report. Gaelscoil Michíl Cíosóg estimates that at least 140 students will transfer to Gaelcholáiste an Chláir over the next six years. “Between 2016 and 2021, it is estimated that approximately 250 pupils will transfer from this one school,” the report states.
Ennis National School reported that the majority of pupils transfer either to St Flannans or Coláiste Mhuire and very few transfer either to Ennis Community College or Gaelcholáiste an Chláir. The report continues, “However, it was emphasised that a significant number of parents are interested in Irish-medium schooling and with the planned expansion of the Ennis National School to 960 pupils, there will be a significant need for another second-level school.”
A stand-alone Gaelcholáiste was described as an excellent idea.