Minister opens new facilities at Co Derry gaelscoil

Education Minister John O'Dowd has officially opened new facilities for Gaelscoil and Naiscoil na Speiríní in Straw, Magherafelt in Co Derry.

The school relocated to new modular accommodation in September last year, making use of the former St Columba’s Primary School site.

Speaking after he performed the opening, Minister O’Dowd (pictured above) said: “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to open new premises for Gaelscoil and Naíscoil na Speiríní.

“The school has been delivering quality education through the medium of Irish to children in Straw and the surrounding area for 10 years and has seen a steady rise in enrolment in recent times. Now the school has moved to improved premises in a better location and it is the start of an exciting new chapter.

“These new facilities are an endorsement of Irish-medium education in the local area. Indeed Gaelscoil and Naíscoil na Speiríní are part of a flourishing Irish-medium sector in the north and it is encouraging to see the level of take-up for learning through Irish. The language is part of our rich, shared heritage and is thriving.”