Establish an Irish Medium school in Antrim

GAELSCOIL AONTROMA

Beginning in the early months of 2020, a number of local, site and zoom meetings involving Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta have led to an outline proposal being put forward to establish a Gaelscoil - an Irish Medium school (nursery & primary) - at Dunsilly GAA grounds in Antrim Town. It is proposed that a Naíscoil (nursery) begins in September 2022, with Rang 1 of a Bunscoil (primary) starting in 2023 or 2024..

To move this proposal a few stages along the road there's a requirement to ascertain a certain number of "expressions of interest" or potential enrollments from the Antrim/Randalstown area. Two years and ten months is the age for enrollment. Any child born after June 30th, 2018, would fall into this group.

A working group has been set up and we are collecting names with expressions of interest for the school years beginning in September 2022 and September 2023.

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Irish Medium Education - The Advantages of bilingualism

* Improved reading skills in English and Irish

* Ability to learn other languages with greater ease

* Improved communication skills

* Increased employment opportunities

* High academic performance

* Enhanced self-esteem

* Greater acceptance of other cultures

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Local Advantages with Dunsilly GAA include:

* Magnificant spacious site with off-road car parking

* Greenfield playing spaces

* Located on a main public transport route (Ballymena Rd)

* Bus stop adjacent to the entrance

* M22 links Randalstown within 5 minutes

* Convenient transport distance from breakfast clubs

* Walking distance from Carnbeg and Meadowlands

* Close to New Build developments around Junction One

There are still many targets for this proposal to reach fruition. However, the most important consideration is the Expressions of Interest/Potential Enrollment numbers. Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta has years of experience in sorting out everything else that goes on in the background and we are delighted to have their continued support.

Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí - Praise the youth and it will prosper. Go raibh céad míle maith agaibh!