Meeting on shortage of junior infant places in Dunshaughlin

Concerned parents of children who have so far been unable to secure a junior infants place for the coming school year are holding a meeting in the Parish Hall in Dunshaughlin on Thursday, 5th March at 6.30pm.

The huge growth in population in Dunshaughlin in recent years which has seen many young families move into new housing developments in the area has led to a shortage of primary school places, something parents say should have been foreseen and planned for.

Again this year there are not enough places for the children due to start school and parents are left stressed and anxious that their child will not get a space locally. Driving to schools in the wider area is not an option for many parents and most of those who bought houses in Dunshaughlin did so with the expectation that their children would have access to services like schools and childcare in the immediate area.

Last year, an additional junior infants class was sanctioned for Dunshaughlin Community National School but there is no word yet on what the Department of Education's intentions are. A spokesperson last week confirmed that it has sought admissions data for schools in the Dunshaughlin School Planning area for 2026 and said the department would ensure that there are sufficient school places available and will put any required solutions in place.

Parents are coming together this week to press upon public representatives and the Department of Education, the urgency of the situation and the need for better planning.

Thursday's meeting regarding the current shortage of Junior Infant school places for 2026 intake in Dunshaughlin has been organised by two local parents who are inviting all parents, guardians, and community members to attend.

"This issue has arisen following the rapid expansion of our community without the necessary provision of school places and local amenities. Many families are now facing uncertainty and stress as they struggle to secure a place for their children starting school this year," they said.

The purpose of the gathering is to give parents of children due to start Junior Infants in 2026 a platform to share their experiences and concerns, to provide clear information and updates on the current situation, to engage directly with representatives who can address questions and outline next steps and to come together as a community and push for immediate and long-term solutions.

As well as those impacted for the upcoming school year, families who may be impacted in September 2027 and future years are also encouraged to attend. Community members who want to support and advocate for better planning and infrastructure are also invited to come along.

"Every child deserves access to education within their own community. The lack of school places is not just an inconvenience, it is a failure in planning that is affecting families’ daily lives, wellbeing, and future. This is an opportunity to stand together, be heard, and demand action. The stronger our collective voice, the greater the chance of meaningful change," the organisers wrote on the event page on Facebook.