A local senator has called on the Government to urgently address overcrowded classrooms and underfunded schools.
Sarah O'Reilly is highlighting that Ireland now has the largest class sizes in the EU, with an average of 22.5 pupils.
The Aontu senator says she has been inundated with emails from parents, teachers and principals in Cavan-Monaghan over the past month.
She is warning that 40,000 primary school children were in supersized classes of 30 or more last year.
The Senator is urging that Budget 2026 prioritise reducing class sizes, properly funding schools, and supporting teachers to protect Ireland's education future.
She outlined her disapointment with delays delays in school building projects, including the stalled new build for Bailieborough Community School saying. "We are five years on from the announcement of funding for a new school in Bailieborough and there is still no progress. Meanwhile, children are moving through the system year by year, waiting for the supports and facilities they have been promised but not delivered."
