We, the undersigned residents of Portmarnock, are calling on you to take immediate action to address the critical shortage of primary school places in our community.

In recent years, Portmarnock has seen significant residential growth, with 785 new homes completed in the last eight years and a total of 1,235 planned. However, despite this rapid increase in population, there has been no development at St. Marnock’s National School in the past seven years, nor an increase in available school places.

There is a significant shortfall in school places available in the two local primary schools in Portmarnock resulting in long waiting lists which are increasing year on year. This presents a serious risk to the education and development of children who are eligible and ready to enter the primary school system.

The growing population requires urgent action to develop a strategic plan for early education, primary and secondary school capacity for the Portmarnock community.