Located on Synge Street in south Dublin, Synge Street CBS was established in 1864 as an all-boys secondary school that previously exclusively provided instruction in English to boys.

Since 2017, both boys and girls have had the opportunity to get an Irish-medium education at the nearby elementary school, Bunscoil Sancta Maria Synge Street.

The school has seen a 42% rise in enrolment since the Irish stream was added.

Irish-medium instruction will be available for boys and girls at Synge Street CBS secondary school beginning in September 2026.

According to ERST Chief Executive Gerry Bennett, the Department of Education supported the decision to modify the school's status, and the school community was consulted throughout the process.

"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 stated.

Synge Street CBS, according to Mr. Bennett, will join the eight "lán Gaeilge" schools that ERST now operates: four primary schools, Gaelscoileanna, and four secondary schools, Gaelcholáistí.

"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 said.

The decision was hailed as "great news for the school and the local community" by Education Minister Norma Foley.

"I am delighted that we now have a Gaelcholáiste in the heart of Dublin 2, as I am aware that there has long been a demand for one in Dublin 4, 6, and 8," the speaker stated.

This would enhance the availability of post-primary Irish-medium education in the broader South Dublin city region.

"This announcement marks a new era for CBS Synge Street, a school with a deep-rooted history in its community."

Thanking the ERST for collaborating with the Department and showing interest in investigating a move to a co-educational, Irish-medium Gaelcholáiste, Ms. Foley expressed gratitude.