Over 2,200 primary school children in the Cavan / Monaghan area are unable to access a Gaelscoil according to data from the Department of Education & Youth’s Primary School Survey.
13.5% of Cavan and Monaghan parents voted for this option which translates to an estimated 2,245 children who currently have no access to a Gaelscoil.
At present, just 5 of the 100 mainstream primary schools in the area are Gaelscoileanna.
An Foras Pátrúnachta is the largest patron of Gaelscoileanna which have a catholic or multi-denominational ethos. Speaking on the publication of the school survey results General Secretary, Caoimhín Ó hÉaghra, stated: "An Foras Pátrúnachta is the largest patron of gaelscoileanna which have either a denominational or multi-denominational ethos."
Speaking 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 Cavan and Monaghan."
