I welcome the granting of patronage for the new Portlaoise secondary school to Laois/Offaly Education and Training Board (ETB).
The announcement by the Department of Education this week is good news. The ETB are in the best position to provide and manage this facility given their vast experience in second level education and the fact they have substantial facilities in Portlaoise. This is a major step forward for the provision of second level education in Laois.
The extra capacity (school places) is badly needed for second level in Portlaoise. At the moment existing schools are full to capacity. The new school will help meet this demand.
I especially welcome the fact that a (Ionad) Gael Cholaiste can be incorporated into the facility. There is an increasing demand for second level education to be taught as Gaeilge.
The language is an important part of our culture and should be available for those who wish to keep it alive. There has been a growth of Gaelscoilleana across the county in areas such as Sli Dala Ballaghmore, Trumera, Mountrath, and Portlaoise.
I would like to commend an Coiste Bunaithe for campaigning for it. I along with others began lobbying for a Gaelcolaiste in 2005.
What’s important now is for the new school to open in Sept 2017 and I will be supporting all efforts to ensure that happens.
