'We have been fighting for this for over two months and finally they are taking it seriously'

Parents, who took their campaign for extra Gaelscoil places in Dunshaughlin to Leinster House yesterday, have said that the Department of Education appears to finally be listening and that while there are still details to be worked out, they are confident that a second junior infants class will be put on in Gaelscoil na Ríthe.

Parent Aine McKenna, whose daughter Niamh is due to start school in September, said that while a second class has not yet been sanctioned, she is confident that all efforts are now being made to resolve the situation and provide the additional gaelscoil places to meet the unprecedented demand.

She said it had been a really positive day and they had a good turnout with about ten parents as well as grandparents travelling to Leinster House.

They were also supported by a number of Irish Language organisations including Conradh na Gaeilge, An Foras Pátrúnachta and Gaeloideachas. Deputy Darren O'Rourke, Cllr Fionnan Blake also attended and Minister Helen McEntee met also met with parent representatives afterwards.

Aine said she had spoke with Minister McMcEntee who told her that the Department of Education is now strongly looking into putting on the second class and that they needed to look at where the extra accommodation could be provided to facilitate this and were working with school principal Ronán Mac Giolla Ruaidh and the board of management.

"It is very good positive communication from the Department of Education. I am confident having spoken to the principal, and Minister McEntee that the Department of Education are finally engaging though it is one step at a time."

She said that while a firm commitment could not be given at this stage and there are some things still to be figured out, she said things are going in "the right direction".

"For the first time that Department of Education appear open to the suggestion and there are just the finer details to be worked out. For the first time we feel confident and we are happy to have been listened to. We have been fighting for this for over two months and finally they are taking it seriously."

She thanked parent Helena Tully who has also been leading the campaign with her.

Aine also commended Gaelscoil na Ríthe principal Ronán Mac Giolla Rua for supporting them and sticking with them despite the time constraints and also the Bishop of Meath and the school's board of management for supporting the second class.