Galway schools chosen for pilot application system aimed at fairer enrolment process
Galway's Albert Dolan TD called the plan a 'hugely positive step forward' to offer a unified online application system for placements in the 2026-2027 academic school year for families in the Athenry area.
'I'm particularly pleased that this initiative recognises the importance of timely and transparent access to special education placements, and that Athenry has been selected as one of the pilot areas. This speaks to the town's strong and growing educational infrastructure, including the excellent work being done in Presentation College, Clarin College, and Coláiste an Eachréidh.'
Parents can apply to participating schools using a single online form and schools will begin to process the applications within defined timelines simplifying the entrance process.
Other key benefits include:
•A simplified and transparent application process
•Reduced stress for families and children
•Better data for school and departmental planning
•A streamlined approach to managing special class placements
•Reduced administrative overhead for schools
The pilot is introduced in efforts to develop a common system that supports long-term planning, equitable access, and inclusive education. Deputy Dolan said: 'I have long advocated for a more equitable school admissions system that works for all families. This pilot is a major step in that direction, and I look forward to engaging with local schools, parents, and the Department to ensure its success here in Galway East.'
Further information will be available to parents and guardian in September 2025 and applications will officially open October 1, 2025 for school placements the following September.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Call for empty buildings in Cork to be used for arts and business purposes to tackle dereliction
Empty buildings across West Cork should be put to use for arts, small business and community purposes in an effort to combat dereliction according to Social Democrats councillor Isobel Towse. Ms Towse raised the issue in a motion proposed to the recent meeting of Cork County Council's Western Division that asked: 'That the Western Division of Cork County Council would develop a strategy to encourage and facilitate 'meanwhile-use' of vacant and derelict buildings in West Cork.' The motion was seconded by her party colleague Ann Bambury. Meanwhile use is the temporary use of empty buildings for various purposes while they await longer-term development or occupancy, said Ms Towse, and examples of uses include pop-up shops, street markets and exhibition spaces. Ms Towse said: 'I am appealing to the council to do everything within its power to facilitate and indeed encourage meanwhile use, in both public and private buildings where possible. The commercial vacancy rate in Cork county is 12.4%, much higher than our European counterparts. 'This has a negative impact on a town's economy and the health and wellbeing of the community. Meanwhile, artists are crying out for spaces to create and put on cultural activities; organisations and community groups need places to meet; and micro businesses would benefit from affordable retail spaces. "All of this would boost economic development and innovation, attract tourism, and improve the liveability of towns, and importantly, tackle problematic vacancy and dereliction.' Ms Towse said a good example was the case of the Clonakilty Community Arts Centre, which is facing eviction from its current location as the building was due to be sold. She said a short distance away, the former Clonakilty Fire Station building was currently unoccupied. She added: 'Overall I think we need to develop a model for meanwhile use that would respond to the unique needs of towns and villages in West Cork. We must remember that the most sustainable building is an existing one.' Keith Jones, director of asset management and land development at Cork County Council, said the council was committed to engaging with the owners of vacant and derelict buildings to bring them back into productive use for the social and economic benefit of communities. Divisional manger Michael Lynch said the new formed directorate of asset management and land development was conducting a strategic review of derelict and unoccupied buildings with the aim of developing a strategy to tackle dereliction, and meanwhile use would be part of the overall plan. This article is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Irish Independent
Over €3m awarded to Galway rural water schemes
Housing Minister James Browne announced a €74 million investment across the country, €3.4 million of which will be given to Galway to improve rural water schemes. Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Albert Dolan said: 'This is a landmark day for rural communities in Galway and right across the country. I'm particularly delighted to confirm that over €3.4 million will directly benefit group water schemes here in County Galway. This investment ensures that more homes and families in rural areas can access clean, safe and secure water.' Water compliance, source protection, and leakage reduction are among the priority improvements to bring water services up to 'par with urban centres.' Deputy Dolan said in a statement that this is furthering efforts to invest and commit to water infrastructure and the future of rural Ireland. It is noted that the funding will be invested in a range of key areas, from water quality compliance and source protection to leakage reduction and the expansion of piped public water supply connections. Among the major Galway projects receiving support are: Kilbannon Group Water Scheme – €450,000. Peterswell\Castledaly GWS – €254,000 New Inn - Corrabaun Group Water Scheme – €210,316 'This investment will make a big difference for generations to come. Investment like this lays the groundwork for future growth, from building new homes to supporting local development into the future across county Galway.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Irish Independent
Multi-Million euro investment to improve water quality in Mayo
The programme aims to improve water infrastructure across rural Group Water Schemes (GWS). 20 GWS across Mayo will benefit from the funding, which is the largest Government investment to date for water services in the county. The funding will support a range of projects in Mayo, including source protection measures, water treatment upgrades, leakage reduction and prevention, new community water connections, as well as the formal taking-in-charge of four Group Water Schemes and Group Sewerage Schemes in Mayo. €2.89m was granted to Callow Lake GWS for water conservation and leakage reduction. Cllr Neil Cruise from Foxford spoke to the Irish Independent and welcomed the funding. He mentioned there is a lot of pipe work that needs to be replaced due to ongoing leakage issues, 'This news is wonderful for the greater east Mayo area, this is funding that is hugely required. It is very welcomed news to help solve the ongoing issues, make things better for the environment, and protect the water.' Cllr Cruise made a motion at the last Mayo County Council meeting to develop a LIFE project in the Pontoon area, to help preserve water quality in Lough Conn and Lough Cullin, similar to the ongoing LIFE project in Lough Carra. Lough Carra GWS also received €1.2m to improve water efficiency and reduce losses. Cllr Donna Sheridan from Castlebar said that today's announcement is great news for communities in the Castlebar Municipal District. 'It is so important that we protect our water sources and ensure the highest standards in our water treatment. We must ensure that communities across Castlebar Municipal District have the benefit of high water infrastructure and water services, 'This funding, and the completion of these projects, will allow GWS to continue to improve the quality, quantity, and reliability of the water services across Mayo.' Over €7.5m has been allocated to support the taking-in-charge of dozens of group water and sewage schemes across the county, to help ensure long-term sustainability and public oversight. Minister of State, Alan Dillion TD, welcomed the significant investment saying: 'This vital funding will support the development and maintenance of essential water and sanitation services, ensuring that rural households have access to clean, safe, and reliable drinking water, ADVERTISEMENT 'The Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme is not only about improving quality of life, it also supports economic activities such as agriculture, livestock farming, and tourism, all of which depend on reliable water resources, 'This is one of the most significant investments in rural water infrastructure ever seen in Mayo. It will directly benefit thousands of households, improve water quality, reduce leakage, and ensure that rural communities have access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water services.' This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
