The Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST) has announced that one of its best-known schools, Synge Street CBS, will become a co-educational Gaelcholáiste from September 2026.
Founded in 1864, Synge Street CBS is an all-boys secondary school located on Synge Street in south Dublin which, until now, only offered education to boys through English.
The neighbouring primary school, Bunscoil Sancta Maria Synge Street, has been offering Irish medium education to boys and girls since 2017.
Since the inclusion of the Irish stream, enrolments at the school have increased by approximately 42%.
Starting in September 2026, Synge Street CBS secondary school will offer Irish medium education to boys and girls.
Gerry Bennett, ERST Chief Executive, said that the change in the school's status came about with the support of the Department of Education and following a consultation process with the school community.
"This development will mean from that time there will be a Gaeltacht campus on the site comprising Synge Street CBS and Bunscoil Sancta Maria, Synge Street," he said.
Mr Bennett said that Synge Street CBS will join ERST’s current eight "lán Gaeilge" schools - four secondary schools, Gaelcholáistí, and four primary schools, Gaelscoileanna.
"Synge Street CBS will remain a vibrant community embracing diversity and inclusivity among staff, students and parents and continue its commitment as an Edmund Rice School to being respectful, being responsible and being ready," he added.
Minister for Education Norma Foley welcomed the announcement saying it is "great news for the school and the local community".
She said: "I am conscious there has long been a demand for a Gaelcholáiste in Dublin 2,4,6 and 8 and I am delighted that we now have one in the heart of Dublin 2.
"This will increase the provision for Irish-medium education at post-primary level in the wider South Dublin city area.
"This announcement marks a new era for CBS Synge Street, a school with a deep-rooted history in its community."
Ms Foley thanked the ERST for working with the Department and expressing their interest to explore a transition to a co-education, Irish-medium Gaelcholáiste.