The number of pupils to take places at secondary schools in Galway over the next few years is expected to surge.

Deputy secretary of the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) Annette Nolan told the Galway Independent that she anticipates a rising proportion of second-level children in the area.

She said: "The demographics are there and it's clear that there will be a 20 per cent increase in student numbers in second level over the next 12 years."

However, Ms Nolan voiced her concern over the impact this is likely to have on the education system, noting that while the number of pupils is increasing, the availability of resources, funding and teaching staff is not.

She stated that this will force schools to drop subjects, which will then have an impact on the wider community as these are needed to "spur on the economy and bring change".

The TUI representative went on to emphasise the importance of investing in education, saying it is "counterproductive to make cutbacks" in this area.

General secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland Pat King agreed, saying "there is no fat" left in the education system to make further budget reductions.

Written by Donal Walsh  

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