Nearly 2,300 Wexford Children Missing Out on Gaelscoil Places, New Data Shows

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

The figures show that 13.1% of parents in the county would prefer Irish-medium education for their children, equating to an estimated 2,263 pupils. However, just three of Wexford’s 100 mainstream primary schools currently operate as Gaelscoileanna, catering for around 3% of pupils.

Nationally, the survey indicates similar demand, with 13% of parents expressing a preference for schooling through Irish.

An Foras Pátrúnachta, the largest patron body for Gaelscoileanna, says the figures point to significant unmet demand and argues that actual interest may be much higher. General Secretary Caoimhín Ó hÉaghra says alternative research suggests demand could be closer to 45%, and claims the gap reflects limitations in how the Department’s survey question was framed.

The organisation is calling for a national plan to expand Irish-medium education at both primary and secondary level.

Parents’ group IMEASC says the lack of provision is linked to gaps in legislation and is encouraging families to campaign for increased access to Gaelscoileanna across the country.