DUP Education Minister, Peter Weir, has turned down a development proposal for the establishment of a statutory part-time Irish-medium (IM) nursery unit at Gaelscoil na Daróige in Derry’s Ballymacroarty.
Commenting on his decision the Minister said: “I recognise my statutory duty in relation to Irish-medium education however I am also bound to consider carefully all the information pertinent to any proposal to establish new provision.
!I consider each proposal on a case-by-case basis and also give regard to the potential displacement of a good quality voluntary pre-school setting.
“There are three Irish Medium (IM) primary schools within a three mile radius, two of which are currently under-subscribed for nursery provision therefore approving this proposal could create sustainability issues for all existing IM providers in the city.”
In conclusion the Minister said: “I have taken account of all the information provided and have concluded that there is not enough evidence for the requirement of additional Irish-medium pre-school provision at Gaelscoil na Daróige.
!There is already sufficient provision to meet future demand for Irish-medium pre-school places in the area.”
