Unionist MLAs have failed to halt progress on an Irish-medium post-primary school for an initial intake of just 14 pupils, despite a vote against the education minister’s plan.

A motion proposed by the Ulster Unionists – objecting to the go-ahead for the Colaiste Dhoire school near Dungiven – was debated in the Assembly yesterday but defeated because it failed to attract cross-community support.

Several nationalist MLAs had signed a petition of concern, meaning a majority from both the nationalist and unionist sides of the House needed to back the motion.

Speaking on the floor of the Chamber UUP MLA Danny Kinahan stressed he was “not attacking or criticising the group that is pushing for this new school” in Co Londonderry, or attacking the Irish-medium education in general.

“The minister must demonstrate value for money,” Mr Kinahan said.

Quoting from the education department’s own recommendation on the school, the South Antrim MLA said: ‘Notwithstanding the Article 89 duty to encourage and facilitate the development of Irish-medium education, it is clear that enrolments at the proposed school will not reach sustainable levels in the medium term, if ever.’ Very definitely, and very clearly, the department is advising against,” Mr Kinahan added.

Gregory Campbell of the DUP said the debate was “not simply about the Irish language”.

“This is about the prospect of a school being established with a threshold of an intake that is well below what is required for other schools,” he said.

Mr Campbell said the approval for the new school would have a negative impact on others.

He added: “I have had parents of children at maintained schools in the Dungiven area tell me that they fear for the future of the school that they want to send their child to.”

Education Minister John O’Dowd defended his stance.

“I do not believe for one second that I have stepped outside my financial role in this matter. I believe that the decision is prudent, both financially and in the context of my statutory duty to promote Irish-medium education,” he said.

Sinn Fein MLA Cathal O hOisin backed his party colleague, saying the minister was right to press ahead with development.

He said: “There is only one Irish-medium post-primary school for the entire north of Ireland which is based in Belfast. In order to provide access for countless primary school children to be taught through the medium of the Irish language, this project falls within the duty of the Department of Education to encourage and facilitate Irish-medium education.”

The Alliance Party supported the minister’s approval for the new school, with Trevor Lunn saying “the time is right” to establish the second Irish-medium post-primary school in Northern Ireland “in line with Executive policy to facilitate and encourage the sector”.