MAY 2007

Buncrana get the go-ahead for Inishowen's first Irish speaking secondary school.

Members of Gael Choláiste Bhun Cranncha Founding committee have secured funding from the Vocational Education Committee (VEC) to provide a Gael Choláiste in Buncrana.

The school was given the go-ahead last week to the delight of tireless campaigners. Cáit Mhic Lochlainn one of the founder members of the committee said: "It all started in 1997 when a group of people came about and said they were interested in the Irish language and after that we set up the Naíonra. There is now a waiting list to get into the Naíonra. After carrying out surveys In 1999 we went about setting up a Gael Scoil. It has 127 pupils at the moment. It is down to the determination and dedication of our committee that we have got where we are."

Parents are now given the choice to educate their children through the medium of Irish. Children can progress from an Irish speaking pre-school right through primary level and now having a secondary level Gaelcoláiste will be the icing on the cake.

There are currently three pre-school facilities in Inishowen, Naíonra Bhun Crannacha, Naíscoil Domhnach Óg in Carndonagh and Naíscoil Cois Feabhail in Greencastle.

We have two Gaelscoileanna, Gaelscoil Bhun Crannacha and Gaelscoil Cois Feabhail in Moville. The demand for Irish medium education is growing throughout the country, the addition of a Gael Choláiste in Buncranna will be a great boost for the Irish language and culture for the whole peninsula.

Gaelcoláiste Bhun Cranncha will be up and running by September.

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