Minister officially opens new gaelscoil in Co Kildare

The Minister for Special Education and Inclusion, Josepha Madigan TD, has officially opened Gaelscoil Ruairí in Maynooth.

Gaelscoil Ruairí is a multi-denominational gaelscoil under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta. This year Gaelscoil Ruairí opened a new special class for autism, with an outdoor soft play area, so that students with special educational needs can undertake their Irish-medium education in the school.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Madigan said:

“As Minister for Special Education and Inclusion, it’s fantastic to be here in Maynooth today to officially open Gaelscoil Ruairí and its special class, which will play a key role in delivering inclusive education in the area.

“Gaelscoil Ruairí is an exemplar of inclusivity and a credit to all the community here who helped bring it to fruition. I want to commend Caoimhín Ó hEaghra and An Foras Pátrúnachta, Chairperson Damhnait Uí Ruairc and the Board of Management, Principal Ní Chinnsealaigh and the school staff, as well as the parents themselves, for working together to establish this school and open a special class. It means that children in the area, including those with special educational needs, can enjoy an education with their peers through the medium of Irish.

“I wish you all the very best of success in the months and years to come, as you embark on this new chapter in your education together at Gaelscoil Ruairí. May you make very many happy memories together here.”

Póla Ní Chinnsealaigh, Principal of Gaelscoil Ruairí said:

"We are delighted to officially open Gaelscoil Ruairí today. This is the result of 5 years of hard work by parents, staff, Board of Management and our patron An Foras Pátrúnachta.

“It is really encouraging that the Irish language is so popular in this area, and that the children’s parents/guardians have chosen Irish-Medium education for their children. We look forward to welcoming many new families into our wonderful new school for many years to come.”

Caoimhín Ó hEaghra, General Secretary of An Foras Pátrúnachta, said:

“Demand for places in gaelscoileanna has never been greater. Gaelscoil Ruairí caters for the growth in Irish-medium education locally. Parents are aware more than ever of the extra benefits immersion education provides and we are delighted to provide that choice here in Maynooth, one of a small number of areas where you can access Irish-medium education from pre-school through to university.

“As the largest patron of Irish-medium schools, we are delighted to have begun this new chapter in Gaelscoil Ruairí. An Foras Pátrúnachta schools are educating 17,000 students per annum and our schools are open to everyone. Our aim is to provide an excellent education through the Irish language to every child in Ireland who wants it.”

The gaelscoil is currently based at a temporary facility on the grounds of Maynooth Education Campus, with planning permission approved for the permanent building nearby which is expected to progress to tender in mid-2024. The school looks forward to the construction of the permanent building so that it can continue to grow to provide education to incoming students from the area.

Pupils from each class performed at the official opening before Minister Madigan was treated to a tour of the school building, taking in the classrooms, play areas and ASD class which consists of a fully equipped classroom and sensory room.