Dunshaughlin parents remain in limbo over school place shortage

Parents of around 40 children who still do not have a school place in Dunshaughlin are seeking an urgent update on what the Department of Education's plans are for this coming September.

Six weeks after most learned that their children had not secured a place and nearly four weeks after furnishing their children's PPS numbers so Department officials could assess how many children are affected, parents have still no idea what is going to happen for the new school year.

A well attended community meeting took place on 5th March where parents outlined the worry and stress the situation is causing and sought urgent answers on what solutions are being worked on.

The Department of Education has indicated that it is in discussions around providing an additional class for September but there is no confirmation yet that this is going to happen or which school the class will be put on in so parents remain in limbo.

Some parents have accepted places in schools outside the parish amid fears they could be left with nothing even though their preference was for their children to attend school in their community.

Last week, Aine McKenna, one of the parents spearheading the parents' campaign, wrote to Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton on behalf of 40 parents to highlight their concerns and the need for an urgent solution.

"Families urgently require clarity from the Department regarding their planned response to this shortage. We are seeking urgent engagement from the Department to ensure practical solutions to the issues identified at the meeting," the letter said.

"Parents and our community are extremely concerned about these issues and feel that they need immediate action. Children living in Dunshaughlin may be forced to travel outside their community to attend school this would have a significant impact on families in relation to travel, work commitments, childcare and on the ability of children to build friendships and connections within their local community. We remain committed to working constructively with the department, local schools and public representatives to ensure that every child in Dunshaughlin has access to a primary school place within their own community."

In response to a query from the Meath Chronicle, A Department of Education spokesperson said: "The Department is actively exploring options to increase capacity for September, including the potential provision of an additional junior infants class. Further updates will be provided as soon as possible."

Aine McKenna told she had been notified that her daughter Niamh, who turns five in August, had not got a place on 2nd February and is no further on with that is going to happen six weeks on. She also emphasised how children had already been building friendships in pre-school over the past two years and would like those to continue, rather than go to a school outside their community where they know no-one.

"We have been very patient but we are six weeks in now and we still have no more information on what is going to happen. We understand there have been discussions around prefabs but we still don't know what they are planning or where it might go.

"We are going into the Easter holidays next week. All this is taking its toll and causing huge stress for parents. This should be an exciting time but we are not feeling it. Although TDs are saying they are trying their best to push it, we want answers on what is going to happen. Nothing seems to have been finalised."

Aine acknowledged the support of local public representatives and in particular the support of Meath East TD Darren O'Rourke who she said had been working with them in the last few weeks.

She said parents need to be updated on the Department's solution before the Easter break and feel nothing will happen until mid-April if there is no confirmation before Easter.