Parents worried over 'void' of Gaelcholáistí in Midlands

Parents are expressing concern over the lack of Irish-medium post-primary schools in the Midlands region of Ireland. Counties Offaly, Longford, and Westmeath currently have no independent Gaelcholáiste, meaning students educated in Gaelscoileanna cannot complete their secondary education through Irish. The Department of Education confirmed that Cavan, Leitrim, Louth, and Roscommon also lack Irish-medium post-primary schools.

IMEASC, a group campaigning for Gaelcholáistí, believes legislation is needed to provide an Irish-language option in education for those who desire it. They are pushing for a policy decision and legislation to future-proof this choice. IMEASC cites the success of Wales, where a strategic approach aimed at achieving a million Welsh speakers by 2050 has seen 21% of pupils in Welsh-medium schools in 2025.

Educators in Offaly point to the demand for a Gaelcholáiste, with three Gaelscoileanna in the county and many more children attending. However, there is no secondary school through Irish, forcing students to transition to English medium schools after primary education. Parents worry that this discontinuity may deter them from sending their children to Gaelscoileanna.

The closest Gaelcholáiste is in Limerick or Maynooth, which is too far for students to travel. For soon-to-be first-year student Cormac Mac Eoin, starting secondary school in Birr is a significant step. He hopes to see a new Irish-medium secondary school in the area. His mother emphasizes the importance of maintaining the Irish language, stating that using it in a lived context is crucial for its survival. IMEASC is urging politicians to support their campaign for better Irish-medium education provision.