Sinn Féin Cllr for the Bettystown/Laytown Municipal District, Maria White, has expressed deep frustration after it emerged that plans for a new secondary school in Duleek are unlikely to go ahead.
Cllr Maria White said:
“I am deeply frustrated that the plans for a new secondary school in Duleek are unlikely to take effect.
“Responding to a parliamentary question from my colleague, Darren O’Rourke TD, the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, has confirmed that there is not a sufficient unmet demand in the Drogheda school planning area to establish a new post primary school in Duleek. Minister Naughton said that new post primary schools must have a student enrolment capacity of 600 to 1,000 students. She went on to say that there are currently less than 500 post primary school children living in the Duleek area and that capacity has been provided for these pupils in existing post primary schools.
“Minister Naughton also referred to the fact that primary school enrolment data indicates that the demand for post primary school places in this area is projected to reduce in the coming years. However, it has been well established that demand for post primary school places is expected to fall across the state in the coming years. This is not unique to Duleek.
“I believe that there needs to be a holistic approach taken when it comes to establishing new schools. Duleek has two primary schools full of students, and once they finish their primary education, they have no choice but to leave the village to attend secondary schools in neighbouring towns. This means most children must rely on transport to get to school. We know the major difficulties children face with school transport. Each year I have numerous parents contact me who have not received a ticket for their child. There are also ongoing issues with public transport, making it unreliable for many commuters.
“As a school principal myself, I am very passionate about our education system. I truly believe that the school is at the heart of the community. When schools are nearby, children are more likely to attend on time and every day. Longer commutes to secondary school can cause fatigue, lateness, and absenteeism. Local schools bring families together, encourage parents to be involved, and often become centres for community events, strengthening relationships among residents.
“Duleek has seen significant population growth in recent years following the construction of several new residential estates. We need to look at the human experience of being able to attend your local secondary school in your own village. There should not be such a major focus on reaching a threshold for a school to be built. I understand that there cannot be a secondary school in a village with no demand, but it is clear to me that there is a demand for Duleek to have its own secondary school.
For many years the Department of Education has championed inclusion. At the heart of inclusion is the belief that every child has a right to attend their local school. This right is not just limited to primary school. Therefore, it is unacceptable to me that the Department is essentially denying the children who live in Duleek and the surrounding areas the right to attend a local secondary school.
Secondary schools as far as 20km away from Duleek are considered local for students in Duleek. This is an insult to the concept of community and schools at the heart of a community.
“Meath County Council has already acknowledged the considerable growth in Duleek over the past 20 years. The Council has said they will ensure there is sufficient community zoning in place to accommodate a school for Duleek in the future. In my own area on the East Meath coast, we have seen the government struggling to deliver school buildings to match population growth and the influx of students. We cannot have a repeat of this situation in Duleek.
“We will continue to put pressure on this government to deliver for the families and more importantly the students in Duleek who deserve a secondary school within their community.”
