CAMPAIGNERS for a Gaelcholáiste in Clonakilty have secured the backing of Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

A delegation gave the Taoiseach an insight into their plan for a regional, co-educational Irish-medium secondary school in West Cork at a meeting last week in Darrara.

Mr Martin expressed his support for the project and encouraged the group to work closely with officials in the Department of Education to progress the proposal.

Neil Grant, spokesperson for the Gaelcholáiste West Cork Development Group, expressed gratitude to the Taoiseach for taking the time to meet, hear their case first-hand and express his support for the project.

‘This was an important moment for the families and communities across West Cork who have worked so hard to develop Irish-medium primary education in the region over more than 30 years,’ he said.

He added the group’s priority now was to work through the necessary assessment, planning and approval processes.

The campaigners say 95% of respondents to a recent survey support the proposed school, while 80% said they would definitely or possibly enrol a child.

‘We are not asking for an immediate announcement. We are asking the government to examine the compelling evidence of demand and work with us to establish a clear and achievable pathway towards opening a Gaelcholáiste, with September 2029 as our target,’ he said.

‘From the outset, we have deliberately approached this campaign on a cross-party basis, and we are hugely encouraged by the strong support it has received from public representatives across the political spectrum,’ the group spokesperson said.

A total of around 900 pupils currently attend gaelscoileanna across West Cork, in Bandon, Kinsale, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Cape Clear and Bantry with many making lengthy round trips daily.

The figure is expected to grow to 1,100 within the next three years.

At the moment, there is no Irish-medium secondary school in the region where pupils can attend and complete their second-level education through Irish.

After the summer break parent information evenings are planned for Bandon, Clonakilty and Skibbereen. For updates, email [email protected] to be added to the mailing list.