Primary school places under pressure in Portlaoise as councillor calls for action over ‘serious shortage’

A Laois county councillor has called on the Department to Education to visit Portlaoise to discuss “the serious shortage of school places” in primary schools in the town.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald raised the issue at today’s meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District in Laois County Council.

She said she spoke to a school principal recently and was “alarmed” that the schools, most of which are now in new buildings, are full and can’t take any more students.

“There are no places,” she said. “It is our responsibility as public representatives to contact the Department of Education to see what way this can be addressed.

“We are a big progressive town but if we want to attract industry, we need school places for families moving to the area.”

Currently there are five primary schools in Portlaoise – Holy Family, Scoil Bhride, Maryborough, Educate Together and the Gaelscoil – with many children also travelling to the likes of The Heath, Ratheniska, Ballyfin and Raheen.

Cllr Fitzgerald suggested that perhaps a different approach might be needed – with the addition of smaller schools and schools in the likes of Kilminchy and Fairgreen.

“Rural schools are also being backed up,” said Cllr Barry Walsh. “Ballyroan is a relatively new school but is going to need an extension.”

“I thought with the new schools there would be loads of places,” added Cllr Willie Aird. “But there are no spaces (in Portlaoise).

“There has been a huge growth in population and it is putting pressure on existing schools.”

“Despite all the school buildings we have to flag it with the department,” said Cllr Caroline Dwane-Stanley. “I know of a waiting list in Scoil Bhride in Knockmay.”

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