Controversial plans to transform Synge Street CBS into a Gaelcholáiste are pressing ahead despite growing discontent from teachers and the school community, who claim they have been left out of the decision-making process.
The Association of Secondary Teachers (ASTI) has strongly criticised the lack of consultation, calling for an immediate pause in the transition process until the Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST) and the Department of Education properly engage with those directly affected.
At a heated meeting last Wednesday (19th) between teaching staff and ERST representatives, frustrations boiled over as teachers voiced their anger at what they describe as a dismissive approach by the school patron body and government officials.
According to the ASTI, the failure to engage meaningfully with educators raises serious concerns about the handling of the school’s future.
Despite the Board of Management of Synge Street CBS expressing its opposition to the planned changes, ERST has moved forward regardless, overriding their stance.
The decision has sparked a wave of backlash, with teachers, parents, and political figures all weighing in on the controversial transition.
Speaking after Wednesday’s meeting, ASTI Deputy General Secretary Diarmaid de Paor (pictured above) strongly condemned the handling of the situation.
“The manner in which teachers working at Synge Street have been treated is shabby at best,” he said.
“This treatment has included ERST and the Department taking unilateral decisions which will have a significant impact on the lives of the teachers, whilst keeping those same teachers in the dark about their futures.”
De Paor urged the Department of Education and ERST to pause the transition and engage in “meaningful and respectful dialogue as a priority.”
Adrian McMahon, a teacher at Synge Street CBS, described the situation as distressing for all those invested in the school.
“This has been a distressing time for those whose lives revolve around this great school, and particularly for those who will be most affected by the proposals,” he said.
“The manner in which these proposals emerged and have been communicated demonstrates a clear lack of regard for the school community.
“Teachers, parents and students deserve better.”
Parents, too, have raised serious concerns about the lack of transparency.
Many claim they were not informed directly by the Department of Education and instead found out through secondary sources, with some suggesting that politicians were briefed before they were.
Social Democrats TD for Dublin South-Central, Jen Cummins (pictured above), has also criticised the approach taken by the Department of Education, saying that communication with parents and school communities has been inadequate.
“While progress in the transition process was welcomed initially, further discussions with parents, from both the Gaelcholáiste and Synge Street, have highlighted significant ongoing issues,” she said.
Cummins noted that many parents felt sidelined during the transition process and called for a more inclusive approach.
“Many parents have complained they were not directly informed by the Department of Education and instead learned of the developments through secondary sources,” she said. “It has been noted that politicians were informed before many families, leaving them feeling excluded from the process.”
Concerns have also been raised about the proposed separation of the two school communities, with Cummins warning that this could create unnecessary divisions.
“A successful transition should prioritise integration, ensuring that all students feel part of a unified school rather than being divided,” she said.
“It is essential that the Department of Education proactively communicates with all stakeholders, including parents, staff, and students, to ensure transparency and inclusivity in decision-making.”
Cummins further emphasised the need for a smooth and cooperative transition, ensuring that the school remains a supportive learning environment for all students, regardless of their preferred language of instruction.
Following Wednesday’s meeting, ERST, who oversee the running of the school and own the property, issued a statement acknowledging the disappointment and frustration felt by staff.
“Staff are understandably disappointed with and feel disrespected by the lack of consultation in the change of status process as well as the speed around which it has taken place,” the statement read.
“This is especially so because of the quality of their teaching and their strong commitment to the school and its pupils, as evidenced by Synge Street’s excellent 2023 whole-school evaluation.”
ERST also announced that an agreement has been reached with the Department of Education allowing another intake of English-taught students in September 2026, as per the board’s request.
At the same time, the first intake of students to be taught through Irish will also begin that year.
A Príomhoide Tánaisteach (Deputy Principal) will be appointed to oversee the transition to a co-educational Gaelcholáiste, while teachers will be offered a “comprehensive upskilling programme” to support them in teaching in the new model.
For those who do not wish to remain at the school, information and support will be provided regarding the redeployment process.
While ERST insists that steps are being taken to smooth the transition, it appears the controversy surrounding the change of status at Synge Street CBS is far from over.
Teachers and parents continue to demand greater engagement and a pause in the process until their concerns are fully addressed.
As the 2026 transition date looms, all eyes will be on the Department of Education and ERST to see whether they heed calls for proper consultation or press ahead despite the growing opposition.