2,300 primary school children in Wexford cannot access a Gaelscoil

Nearly 2,300 primary school children in Wexford are unable to access a gaelscoil according to data from the Department of Education & Youth’s Primary School Survey…

The survey indicates that 13% of parents nationally would like their child’s school to operate through Irish. In Wexford, 13.1% of parents voted for this option which translates to an estimated 2,263 children who currently have no access to a gaelscoil.

At present, just 3 of the county’s 100 mainstream primary schools are gaelscoileanna, serving only 3% of pupils.

An Foras Pátrúnachta is the largest patron of gaelscoileanna which have either a denominational or multi-denominational ethos. Speaking to Wexford Weekly on the publication of the school survey results General Secretary, Caoimhín Ó hÉaghra, stated:

“Although the results show considerable unmet demand, we believe that actual demand is significantly higher. National research published this year by government body Foras na Gaeilge (The Irish Language Attitudes Survey 2025) put demand at 45%. The disparity is a result of the much disputed and restrictive phrasing in the Department’s survey question. Regardless of the disparity, it is clear that we need more gaelscoileanna in order to cater for the children who do not have that option across Wexford.”

An Foras Pátrúnachta believes that the Department needs to put in place a blueprint of provision of Irish-medium education at primary and secondary level.

Parents who wish to have their children educated in a gaelscoil are encouraged to petition the government to make access to a gaelscoil a reality for them. IMEASC, (Irish Medium Education At School), a parents group, believes that the lack of legislation is the root cause that has resulted in the lack of provision of Irish-medium education (IME) by the Department of Education. Parents can find out more at: https://www.imeasc.ie/