The average size of primary school classes has significantly decreased across Cavan and Monaghan.
Figures from the Department of Education show the average class size across the region is now 19 pupils.
Figures show the average class size across the country contains 22.2 pupils, down from 22.5 in the 2023/2024 school year, as a result of almost 18 thousand fewer children in first level education.
It's resulted in almost eight thousand fewer students being taught in overcrowded classes last year.
Data in the Irish Independent shows 14% of primary school students in Cavan and 16% in Monaghan were in a class of 30 or more.
Ballinagh NS recorded the largest class size in Co. Cavan at 30 pupils, while its smallest class size is 16 students.
While Co. Monaghan recorded the biggest class size in the region, with 33 pupils in a classroom at Annyalla NS.
Nationally, Co. Longford has the smallest average classes at 20.5 children.
Only one school in the country had a class with over 40 pupils, in north Cork, while 790 schools had at least one oversized class, down from 858.
