Coláiste Ghlór na Mara

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Over 180 people braced the elements and turned out en-masse to demonstrate their support for the establishment of a new Gaelcholaiste in Balbriggan last Wednesday night.

Those in attendance, in addition to Balbriggan, travelled from Rush, Lusk, Skerries and Swords and there was even had a contingent who came from Ashbourne to show their support.

The town hall, full to capacity was addressed by Tadhg O Tuachaigh (Cathoirleach) Trevor Sargent T.D, Darragh O Brien T.D, Tom Kelleher (Labour) and Clare Daly (Socialist party).

All politicians present concurred that Colaiste Ghlor na Mara ticked all the boxes in regards opening a new school and Trevor Sargent conveyed the news that the department viewed the submission as the most professional and comprehensive that they had ever seen.

“Wednesday night’s attendance exceeded all expectations. Our message is clearer than ever; we have the numbers (460 students and rising), we have an approved site, we have temporary accommodation both off site and on-site, and we resolve a major headache for the department in regards secondary school places in Fingal”……. Tadhg O Tuachaigh (Cathoirleach)

Tom Kelleher promised to deliver on the project, if elected. Clare Daly gave her full backing to the project but had little confidence in the current administration delivering. Trevor Sargent and Darragh O Brien promised to consult with the Department of Education and the Tanaiste’s office.

Tadhg O Tuachaigh read a letter of support from Dr. James Reilly in which he promised to do everything in his power to bring the project to a speedy fruition.

Tadhg O Tuachaigh urged the politicians to take action as the committee has sourced temporary accommodation in the form a sixteen classroom, fully fitted, two year old school, at a discount of 60% of the normal asking price, which will be demolished shortly if no action is taken.Tadhg also emphasised that there were 460 pupils and families anxiously awaiting an answer.

“We are at the final hurdle, all the boxes have been ticked, all we need now is the Tánaiste’s signature and the people of North Dublin and South Louth will finally get their long awaited Gaelcholaiste”………… Tadhg O Tuachaigh (Cathoirleach)

Coláiste Ghlór na Mara,with a current enrollment of over 450 pupils,has organised a mass meeting in Balbriggan Town Hall on Wednesday 16th February at 8.00 p.m.
A full spectrum of Dublin North constituency candidates will be in attendance.
“The objective of this meeting is to push the Gaelcholáiste over the final hurdle and achieve official departmental recognition.We have met all the main criteria in regards having the demand with over 450 already enrolled
In regards infrastructure Balbriggan is serviced by an excellent bus(local and commuter),rail and is located in the centre of the catchment area for the Gaelcholáiste within easy access from the M1 motorway. In regards the site the department has already purchased a site designated for a secondary school and is ready to go.In regards cost we have managed to source a relative new 16 classroom temporary structure at 10% of the cost of a new school which is to be demolished shortly if action is not taken.
In regards support, all Gaelscoils in Dublin North have endorsed our campaign with letters to the department.We have met with the department and the ministers team and received a positive response.All our ducks are in a row,now is the time for actionin order to give 450 families a definitive answer.”

Transport will be provided for all Gaelscoils in Dublin North to attend this critical meeting (If you require transport from Swords or Rush, please email to confirm: – colaisteghlornamara@gmail.com )

Tim Ó Tuachaigh
Cathaoirleach
Colaiste Ghlor na Mara

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