Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2017
304. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date in respect of the provision of a Gaelcholáiste to serve the area of County Kildare in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9893/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaynooth Community College opened in 2014 with an Irish-medium Aonad and it was stated that should the Aonad demonstrate sufficient viability after four years from its date of establishment, a Gaelcholáiste would be established, in a partnership patronage model between Kildare and Wicklow ETB and An Foras Pátrúnachta.
The new schools which will open in 2017 and 2018 to cater for increased demographic demand nationwide were announced in November 2015.
As part of that announcement, and in view of the continued support for an independent Gaelcholáiste, it was confirmed that a Gaelcholáiste to serve the North Kildare area will open in 2019, subject to the continued viability of the Irish-medium Aonad at Maynooth Community College.
The Gaelcholáiste will operate under the patronage of Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board with An Foras Pátrúnachta.
In the interim, my Department will continue to work closely with the Education and Training Board and An Foras Pátrúnachta in relation to the provision of appropriate accommodation for the establishment of the Gaelcholáiste.
