Teachers at Synge Street CBS in Dublin 8 are pushing back against Department of Education plans to convert their school into a Gaelcholáiste, with 91% of staff opposing the transition scheduled for 2026.
The controversy emerged after teachers were informed of the decision just one day before its public announcement in September 2024. The Association of Secondary School Teachers (ASTI) is now seeking to halt the plans and has requested an urgent meeting with the Department of Education.
While teachers strongly support the school becoming co-educational, with 87% in favor, they express deep concerns about the Irish-language conversion. Their main objections center on the lack of consultation and absence of clear plans for teacher upskilling and implementation.
The situation has created tension between different educational priorities. While local campaigners have been actively pushing for additional Irish-language secondary education in Dublin, with students recently protesting outside Leinster House, the teachers argue that such a significant transformation requires more transparency and collaboration.
According to The Journal, the school’s board of management has already informed the Department that the 2026 conversion will not proceed as planned. However, Education Minister Helen McEntee maintains her commitment to establishing a Gaelcholáiste in the Dublin South City area, targeting a September 2025 opening.
The teachers’ statement acknowledges the importance of Irish language education while emphasizing their commitment to serving their diverse DEIS school community, which includes various nationalities, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds.