There is "no unmet demand" for an Irish language secondary school in Co. Cavan.
That's according to the Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton.
Minister of State Niamh Smyth had asked the Minister if she planned to introduce a new Gaelscoil, and if the Department had held any discussions on the matter.
Minister Naughton said that there are no new plans to establish any post-primary schools in Co. Cavan.
She outlined that a lower threshold of 400 students would be required for a Gaelscoil.
Minister Naughton explained: "I wish to advise the Deputy that requirement for school places is kept under on-going review in the context of available information on population, enrolments and residential development activity.
"The expansion of existing schools is consistent with wider Government objectives under Project Ireland 2040 for an increased emphasis on compact growth. In respect of post primary schools, new post primary schools must have a student enrolment capacity of 600-1,000 students and must be co-educational. A lower threshold of 400 students may apply to gaelcholáistí, having regard to the alternative of establishing an Irish-medium unit (aonad) in an English-medium school.
"New schools are only established in areas of demographic growth, as the resources available for school infrastructure have to be prioritised to ensure that every child has a school place. Demographic analysis indicates that currently, there is no unmet demand for post primary school places and accordingly, there are no plans to establish any new post primary schools in Cavan.
"The department will continue to liaise with Cavan County Council in respect of their county development plan and any associated local area plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas," she added.
Local Councillor, Stiofán Conaty has been advocating for a Gaelscoil in the county.
Speaking to Northern Sound, he expressed his disappointment with the news.
Cllr Conaty said the State is failing to give parents the opportunity to give children an Irish medium education.
"It personifies this government's attitude towards Gaelscoileanna and Irish medium education in general, that they're looking at it in terms of English medium education," he explained.
"It's disappointing that they don't see the strategic difference of having two separate systems on two separate criteria.
"Every student, every child, every parent should have the opportunity to send their children to an Irish medium education, if they wish.
"Currently the State is failing to do so," Cllr. Conaty added.
