New school building a ‘milestone’ for Irish-medium education in Omagh

A JOURNEY which began more than 20 years ago culminated in a major milestone for Irish-medium education in the Omagh area, with the opening of the new £3.5 million Gaelscoil na gCrann at Ballinamullin yesterday (Wednesday).

The official opening of the seven- class school and Naiscoil was carried out by the Minister for Education, Michelle McIlveen.

She toured the school – which currently has an enrolment of over 180 pupils – alongside the principal, Deirdre Nic Cionnaith, and the chair of the Board of Governors, Julie Gallagher.

They met with pupils and staff, including the four and five-year-olds in the Naiscoil.

The principal remarked on how the educational experience of both staff and pupils has been ‘transformed’ since they moved from mobile classrooms at Dun Uladh into the new purpose-built Gaelscoil – the first ever in the North outside Belfast.

“Our new school enhances the learning and development of the pupils,” Ms Nic Cionnaith said.

“They can now benefit from excellent educational facilities, alongside the excellent teaching of the staff.

“It’s to Julie Gallagher, the chair of our Board of Governors and Brian McKenna to whom we owe so much in reaching this milestone.

“They had the vision, belief and the drive to push for Irish medium education in the Omagh area.”

The principal went on to thank the project team involved in the construction of the building, as well as all those from Woodvale Construction, who carried out the work, and all those who helped with making the dream of the new school a reality.

“There are many others who helped along the way,” she said. “These include the parents who spent hours upon hours fundraising, the pupils who came in and the first set of governors.

“Everyone’s work has been recognised in this new building.”

Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen enjoyed a guided tour of the new classrooms and ancillary facilities.

“A new building marks a new chapter in the history of a school, and brings tangible improvements to daily life. And not just for pupils and staff, but, also, for families and the wider community,” she said.

“I want to acknowledge the efforts of everyone involved in the deliver of the new build, including the school staff, governors, consultants, contractors and officials, and offer my best wishes for the future.”