PARENTS IN FOUR areas are being asked to fill out an online survey expressing their preference regarding the patronage of new post-primary schools which will be established next year.

A new Online Patronage Process System (OPPS) website, which will facilitate the process, was officially launched by the Minister for Education, Richard Bruton, today.

The four new schools will serve the following areas:

• Donaghmede, Howth and Dublin 13
• Galway City and Oranmore
• Laytown and Drogheda
• Wicklow

People are eligible to express a preference for the patronage of the schools if their child is due to start post primary education between 2019 and 2023 and if the child lives in one of the areas.

The process for parents began today and it will run until 31 July.

The invitation follows the recent announcement of the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four-year period from 2019 to 2022.

The patronage determination process for the rest of the schools will take place at a later date, ahead of when they are due to open.

Minister Bruton said:

Parental preferences for each patron, from the parents/guardians of children who reside in the school planning areas concerned, together with the extent of diversity currently available in these areas, are key to decisions in relation to the outcome of this process.

The process for all of the new schools is being overseen by the independent New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG). The Group was set up in 2011 to advise the education minister on the patronage of new schools.

Parents who meet the criteria and wish to express their preference can do so on this website.