The Department of Education has released details about the commencement of 14 new second-level schools and has written to prospective patron bodies seeking applications to set up schools in 14 areas.

Schools with capacity for up to 1,000 pupils will be opened in Claregalway, Lusk, Naas and Navan in 2013. Schools of similar size will open in Ashbourne, Blanchardstown West, Drogheda, Dundalk, Balbriggan, Maynooth and Mulhuddart in 2014. Other schools to open in 2014 will be in Cork City, Dundrum and Greystones catering for 500, 500 and 750 pupils respectively. The schools in Balbriggan, Cork City and Dundrum have been designated by the Department as Gaelcholáistí, although their patronage is not yet decided.

The department announced arrangements to select patrons for new second-level schools in June and groups or individuals who want to be patrons to these new schools must apply by mid-November. Education Minister Ruairi Quinn granted recognition to Educate Together to become a second-level patron earlier this year.

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