Battle looms for control of 13 new primary schools

A BIG battle is shaping up for control of 13 primary schools opening next September. The schools were announced earlier this year, and parents will soon be invited to have a say on patronage. An Foras Pátrúnachta (AFP), the largest patron of Gaelscoileanna, will be pitching for all 13, it announced yesterday. AFP, which runs 71 schools, at primary and post-primary level, offers parents a choice of either a denominational, multi-denominational or interdenominational ethos. Its general secretary Caoimhín Ó hEaghra said the demand for places in Gaelscoileanna continued to grow at a rapid rate. Educate Together, which operates 97 primary and post-primary schools, will bid for 12 of the schools. Education and training boards are expected to pitch for most, if not all, of the schools, with a view to expanding the community national school model. Smaller patron bodies may also put themselves in the running for some schools. A Department of Education spokesperson said the patronage process for the schools would open before the end of the year. Parents will be able to log on to a single website, compare the patron bodies and express their preferences. The Dublin schools will be in Booterstown/Blackrock; Donaghmede/Howth/Dublin 13; Killester/Raheny/Clontarf; Drumcondra/Marino/ Dublin 1; Swords (north and south); Dublin 6/Clonskeagh/ Dublin 6W; and Goatstown/ Stillorgan/Dún Laoghaire Rathdown. Others will open in Kilcoole/Mountkennedy, Co Wicklow; Leixlip and Maynooth, both Co Kildare; Dunshauglin, Co Meath; and Glasheen/Cork city/Pouladuff.