There was much excitement and some apprehension as children returning to primary school this week, nowhere more apparent than at three new Gaelscoileanna in Dublin who were opening their doors for the first time.
Gaelscoil Eoin in Ballsbridge, Gaelscoil Ghráinne Mhaol in Baldoyle, and Gaelscoil Lir in Rathcoole all opened for the new school year today.
More than 45,000 children are currently attending a Gaelscoil.
Recent analysis carried out by Tuairisc.ie show that these numbers have stagnated over recent years.
A survey carried out by the Irish language organisation Conradh na Gaeilge suggests that one in four children would attend a Gaelscoil if that option was made available to them.
A number of organisations are continuing to campaign for the establishment of more Gaelscoileanna.
In the meantime, children and teachers in the three newly established Gaelscoileanna in Dublin are hoping that their school communities will thrive over the coming years agus iad ag dul ó neart go neart.
