Department of Education approves extra teacher for Ballymore Eustace school

The Department of Education has approved an additional teacher for Scoil Mhuire in Ballymore Eustace for next year. 

The development will allow the school to offer a second junior infants class for the 2024/25 academic year.  

The school had been unable to offer places in junior infants for September 2024 to all those who applied due to excess demand. However due to existing Department, rules were unable to hire an additional teacher to cater for the high demand.

The news has been welcomed by Fine Gael TD and Minister Martin Heydon and Cllr Evie Sammon.

Mr Heydon said: “Cllr Evie Sammon and I met the families affected on a number of occasions and have worked hard to highlight the importance of this issue with the Department. These families had all planned to send their children to Scoil Mhuire and were facing the prospect of travelling significant distance for alternative places for their child this September. 

"Cllr Evie Sammon said “We are delighted that the Department have recognised the need for an additional teacher in this area which will be warmly welcomed by all in the Ballymore area. The school was willing to offer an additional class and has the space to do so once a teacher could be approved. 

“Well done to the parents and school who continued to highlight the issue, their dedication has led to todays positive result."

Minister Heydon concluded “This approval will be a great relief for the families directly involved and the entire community of Ballymore Eustace”.