Northern Ireland

Pupils move into `safe, bright and wonderful' school

Minister John O'Dowd at the official opening of the new Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach in Crumlin. Picture by Mal McCann.
Minister John O'Dowd at the official opening of the new Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach in Crumlin. Picture by Mal McCann. Minister John O'Dowd at the official opening of the new Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach in Crumlin. Picture by Mal McCann.

School children's faces lit up when they first set eyes on their new safe, bright and wonderful learning environment.

Pupils from Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach in Crumlin have moved into a £1.3 million building.

The four classroom-based school was supported through the Department of Education's accommodation fund.

The school has experienced a surge in enrolment numbers in recent years.

When it opened officially it had just two teachers and two classroom assistants providing education for 30 pupils. It is since grown to about 80 pupils.

It has operated out of various different buildings during its short history.

In a novel example of shared education, P4-7 bunscoil pupils were housed in classrooms at Crumlin Integrated College.

Principal Stephen Wallace said the school was delighted with the new build.

"Our children's faces lit up when they entered the building for the first time. It is safe, bright and a wonderful learning environment. Our school which has grown on separate campuses now has the opportunity to grow, play and learn together," he said.

"The community leadership and support has been fantastic to bring the new build about. We have operated out of different buildings in the past in Crumlin and it is lovely to now have a place to call your own. The community has been extremely supportive over the years to ensure Irish-medium education thrives in Crumlin. More and more people are buying into Irish-medium and for different reasons too. I know that it has the ability to open doors and create opportunities in the future and we have a wonderful facility to realise this potential."

Education minister John O'Dowd officially opened the new school.

"In this purpose built environment this generation of pupils and indeed future generations have an excellent facility to complete their education," he said.

"The Irish language is an integral part of our rich and shared heritage and I take great pride in witnessing and being part of a sector that continues to grow and thrive educationally, socially and economically."