Parents in Dundalk unable to secure school places as schools hit capacity

Parents in Dundalk are struggling to secure school places as capacity issues at three schools have been highlighted at February's meeting of Louth County Council. 

The issue was raised by Fianna Fáíl councillor for Dundalk South Shane McGuinness who said he has received "a phenomenal response" to the lack of funding for a new post-primary school in Dundalk.

Cllr McGuinness named Ó Fiaich College and De La Salle in Dundalk and said they are facing "serious capacity issues". 

He said spatial standards, which are based on projected enrolment has left De La Salle left unable to to expand any further. He added that children in the school would have "little or no room" for playtime or activities if any work were to be carried out. 

"One of these schools has had to rent prefabs and accommodations to allow students preparing for their leaving cert to study, and they're still seeking more space," he said. 

The Fianna Fáil councillor labelled two extension allocations which have been granted as a "sticky plaster for what's needed". 

He said overcrowded schools are also having a negative effect on students' overall wellbeing and said the effects are influencing the town's workforce and economic stability. 

"Overcrowded schools in Dundalk are having significant impact on students' lives. Stress and anxiety are on the rise, with students feeling frustrated and struggling to concentrate in overcrowded schools and classrooms," he said. 

Cllr McGuinness said the Department of Education are "lacking the data for what's coming down the line", and questioned if Louth County Council had provided sufficient information to adequately prepare for the future. 

"Have we got the data that sufficiently informs the education board of what’s coming down the line in the next 18 months - on family type, sizes and ages in areas like Haggardstown or Blackrock?"

He raised concerns that the potential delivery of 1,200 new homes in South Dundalk could put further strain on schools in the area. He said Louth County Council have to plan "meticulously on education sites and buildings so the town of Dundalk is not left out for future generations to come."

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Thomas McEvoy, Director of Services with Louth County Council said schools are "entirely a matter for the Department of Education". 

However, he assured councillors that there is not a lack of data or effort from planners in the local authority and it is engaging with the Department on a "weekly basis" on a series of areas around the county. 

He said the Department is "extremely familiar" with the policies of the County Louth Development Plan and have been engaging with Louth County Council about opportunities to develop. 

Cllr McGuinness also said teachers have been reluctant to come out publicly to raise concerns about capacity issues as it may be perceived as "bad press for their school", but said they have raised "serious concerns about capacity planning for the next number of years" and if a new school will be allocated to South Dundalk. 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.