Dublin is to get three new primary schools by next year, after the Department of Education and Skills invited applications for facilities.

The Evening Herald reports that Ballinteer, Stepaside and Tallaght will be considered as locations for new establishments.

One campaigner, Martin O'Flaherty of the South Dublin Together Action Group, said the announcement is a "major boost" as more and more parents are expressing their desires for an Educate Together school in these areas.

Head of education and network development at Educate Together Emer Nowlan also welcomed the decision.

"For parents in these areas, there is now the possibility that they may be able to choose the type of school they want for their children - for some as early as next September," she added.

Applications will be considered by the Department of Education and the New Schools Establishment Group, which will advise Minister Ruairi Quinn as to what the final decision should be.

Last month, a consultation to consider patronage of primary schools in Ireland was held in Dublin, with a three-day meeting discussing over 200 submissions of views from various interested parties.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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