North Dublin parents ‘driven demented’ trying to find school places

North Dublin parents have been “driven demented” trying to find primary school places for their children, according to a Fianna Fail TD.

Speaking in the Dáil last week, Dublin Bay North TD Sean Haughey said that in recent weeks he has been contacted by several parents complaining about the lack of primary school places in Dublin 13.

“The majority of these parents live in the Donaghmede-Howth area,” he said.

“Parents living in the Belmayne, Clongriffin and Parkside estates are experiencing serious problems finding school places and they are sick with worry about it.

“There are two schools in this area that are central to this problem: Belmayne Educate Together National School and St. Francis of Assisi Primary School. Parents have been told by the schools that they cannot accommodate any more pupils and their children will be put on a waiting list.

“These parents have also applied to other primary schools in the school planning area as well as schools in adjacent school planning areas and catchment areas, including schools in Portmarnock and Malahide, but to no avail.”

Haughey says that there is “massive building and construction” taking place on the “northern fringe of Dublin city” and although the “residential construction is most welcome” schools are needed to facilitate the growing population.

“It is clear extra classes are needed in this school planning area for the 2023-24 academic year.”

In response, Minister for Education Norma Foley said that “significant primary capacity is already being delivered in the area.”

Minister Foley said that a new Educate Together National School and Gaelscoil Ghráinne Mhaol are easing the burden on school places and that “further projects” are providing additional capacity at Holy Trinity Senior National School and Scoil Cholmcille Senior National School.

“The Department is also providing accommodation for children with special educational needs at schools in the area, including at the two new schools, and as part of projects at St. Paul’s Junior National School, St. Kevin’s Junior National School, Scoil Naomh Colmcille and St. Paul’s Senior National School,” she said.

Minister Foley also said that demand for school places “may not be as a result of lack of accommodation” but may be driven by a duplication of applications, pupils not accepting places at other schools that are not their preference, single-sex schools, and pupils coming from outside the local area.

“I assure the Deputy the Department will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure there is appropriate provision for all students in the Donaghmede-Howth-Dublin 13 area for the 2023-24 school year and into the future.”