Alleged Admissions Row Ignites Between Leixlip Schools Over Irish V English Language Pathways

Friday, 7 November 2025 14:36

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News. Got a story? Email news@kfmradio.com

In a letter issued to parents, Coláiste Chiaráin claimed that the Board of Management at Scoil Uí Dhálaigh has decided to stop the school from speaking to its 6th class pupils this year.

A dispute over Irish versus English education has emerged in Leixlip, after Coláiste Chiaráin says it’s been stopped from visiting pupils at the local Gaelscoil as part of its annual admissions outreach.

In a letter issued to parents, Coláiste Chiaráin claimed that the Board of Management at Scoil Uí Dhálaigh has decided to stop the school from speaking to its 6th class pupils this year.

Coláiste Chiaráin says it understands the decision is aimed at protecting the Gaelscoil's ethos and encouraging pupils to continue their education through Irish.

The principal says the school is “deeply disappointed” by the decision, noting that an increasing number of Scoil Uí Dhálaigh students have chosen to attend English-medium secondary schools in recent years.

Coláiste Chiaráin says it remains committed to working with all local schools, and hopes to resolve the issue and restore what it described as a long-standing spirit of partnership.

"We are informed that this measure is a response to increasing numbers of their students choosing to attend English medium schools such as Coláiste Chiaráin in recent years," school Principal Mark Neville stated in the letter.

He added: "We are deeply disappointed not to be able to visit our local Gaelscoil having always been offered a warm welcome to this point."

Kfm has contacted Scoil Uí Dhálaigh for comment.

Kfm also reached out to Mr Neville for further comment.