Braniel Primary: First Irish pre-school in east Belfast to relocate

A Belfast primary school has said that an "ongoing social media hate campaign" means that an Irish language nursery will now not open at the school.

Naíscoil na Seolta is the first Irish language pre-school in east Belfast and was due to open at Braniel Primary School in September.

It is a separate school from Braniel, but was to be housed in a classroom on the site of the 400-pupil primary.

However, Naíscoil na Seolta has now decided to relocate elsewhere.

In a letter to parents Braniel's principal, staff and governors said the school was proud to be "a shared space for all".

"Due to an ongoing social media hate campaign against some individuals and the Integrated Naíscoil na Seolta, it is with great sadness that it is choosing to relocate to an alternative location," they said.

"A social media campaign was started and fuelled by those who are not connected to the school, nor are parents of our school and who are clearly were not interested in facts and truth."

The letter said that comments had been posted on social media "that were littered with unfounded erroneous allegations about certain individuals and the Naíscoil".

It continued: "Braniel Nursery and Primary School is not and should never be thought of as a contested space.

"We are proud to be a shared space for all."

Speaking to the BBC's Evening Extra programme, Diane Dawson, who is principal of Braniel Primary, said she is "saddened, sickened, angry and in despair" by the "bile and hatred from of a few keyboard warriors".

She said several comments posted online have already been reported to the police.

"My board of governors, my school community, my parents, my staff all welcomed and were excited to have the Naíscoil rent a premises on our school site," she said.

"Why any child would be a threat on any school site or any site at all learning anything is beyond me.

"Certainly not two year olds learning colours on the Braniel site.

Ms Dawson, who identifies as a unionist, said "not one word of the Irish language spoken weakens my unionism".

In a statement, Naíscoil na Seolta thanked Braniel for their "hugely warm welcome" and said that it was with "mixed emotions" they made the decision to relocate to another site in east Belfast.

They acknowledged that there was "a small-scale social media campaign launched to attempt to move us on" which was "dealt with using the correct channels".

"The children's wellbeing at the front of our minds, we have decided to take up a new opportunity," they said in their statement.

The nursery said the Braniel site was "always a temporary location" and said that in the last few weeks "a new site had become available to us".

"The new site is bigger, more conveniently located for parents, and builds on our existing relationships in east Belfast."

Naíscoil na Seolta said that the new location will be announced very soon, after they have spoken to parents and funders.

In a tweet, East Belfast DUP MP Gavin Robinson said that "all should be able to engage, agree or disagree without intimation, threats or social media abuse".

Alliance leader Naomi Long described the relocation of the nursery as "tragic".

Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey described the online abuse as "outrageous" and said the parents, children and school staff "should not have to put up with this type of disgusting behaviour".

"Irish medium education is inclusive and it's thriving across Belfast and these disgusting attempts to deter progress will not be tolerated," she said.

SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite said those behind the online campaign should be ashamed of themselves.

People Before Profit's Fiona Ferguson described it as "a reprehensible example of bigotry and hatred toward children".

In a social media post, Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Louise Haigh said: "The parents, teachers and children of this brilliant, inclusive school represent Northern Ireland's future.

"It is utterly appalling that a tiny minority should direct intimidation and abuse against them."