Louth TD calls on parents to give their input on the future of primary schools in Dundalk

Ged Nash, Labour TD for Louth has said time is running out for parents to shape the future of primary schools in Dundalk. 

Deputy Nash said parents have a "historic opportunity" to take part in a survey about the role of religion in primary schools which is being conducted by the Department of Education. 

In a statement, Labour's spokesperson on public service reform said the results of the survey will shape the future of primary schools in Dundalk, and urged parents who want the option of non, or multi-denominational primary schools to take part. 

He said there are four multi-denominational, Educate Together schools in Louth between Drogheda and Ardee, but there are none in Dundalk. 

"Dundalk must be the largest urban area in the State without this option," he said.

The survey is open to parents of children who are either in, or due to start, primary school, as well as school staff and boards of management.

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The Department of Education are seeking to increase choice for parents to access both multi/non-denominational and faith-based education. 

It will begin transferring the patronage of some primary schools, including some Catholic ethos primary schools which currently represent over 88% of primary schools in the country. 

This is compared to multi-denominational primary schools which makes up just 5.5%. 

So far, just over one-third of the 495,000 eligible households have taken part in the survey.

Eligible parents have until December 16 to take part in the survey and can do so on www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey.