As primary schools across the country close today for the summer holidays, eight rural schools will bid farewell for the last time, reports RTE.
These schools, with tiny enrolments ranging from just one to six pupils, have reached a critical juncture.
The Department of Education has confirmed that these eight schools will close permanently, following an agreement reached with their patron bodies, which are all Catholic churches, reports RTE.
While the Department emphasizes the importance of consultation with all stakeholders and local decision-making, the declining enrolment at primary level has made it increasingly challenging for these small schools to attract a dwindling number of pupils and maintain their enrolment numbers.
In response to this situation, one Galway school resorted to offering €2,000 to families willing to relocate and enroll their children, reports RTE.
Scoil Naomh Pádraig in Clochbhreac, Conamara, has witnessed a steady decline in pupil numbers over the years. This year, the school had only 12 enrolled students.
Among the schools closing, four were previously identified by RTÉ News last March as having a higher staff-to-pupil ratio than the recommended level, reports RTE.
Scoil Mhuire gan Smál in Lixnaw, Co Kerry, for instance, had only one pupil enrolled last September and was allocated two teachers and one Special Needs Assistant (SNA) this year.
Additionally, it served as a base school for one special education teacher, reports RTE.
Despite these challenges, the Department of Education has made investments in the infrastructure of these schools, including funding the installation of solar panels in two schools.
The remaining seven schools that will close include: Stonetown NS in Co Louth, Ballyfad NS in Co Wexford, Attymon NS and Scoil Naomh Chuan, both in Co Galway, St Patrick’s NS Dumhach Beag in Donegal, Flemby NS in Kerry, and St Joseph’s NS in Aglish, Co Tipperary, reports RTE.
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