Kildare schools 'are being left behind'

The level of funding provided for DEIS schools in Kildare has been criticised by Independent Ireland councillor Bill Clear who says the county is being left behind - despite it being “one of the fastest growing regions in the country and a key part of the commuter belt.”

DEIS funding is aimed at reducing child poverty and improving outcomes for students in schools with the highest levels of need.

“When you examine the figures, it is obvious that Kildare is not being treated fairly. Despite huge population growth and increasing pressure on schools, the level of support being allocated simply does not reflect the reality on the ground.”

He pointed to the figures for Kildare, which has 130 schools, with only 14% receiving Home School Community Liaison support following the new allocations and just 3% gaining additional support. This, he added,  compares to a national average where 22% of schools have HSCL support and 10% are gaining new support.

“Kildare is significantly below the national average across the board. Only 3% of schools gaining additional support is simply not good enough.”

READ NEXT Gardaí issue major public statement as fuel protests hit Kildare for second day

Cllr Clear said the disparity becomes even more apparent when compared to other counties. In Dublin, 42% of schools have support with 19% gaining additional resources, while Louth sees 43% supported and 32% gaining. Longford also has significantly higher levels at 35% supported and 15% gaining.

He noted that even smaller counties are seeing stronger increases, with Leitrim at 18% gaining support, Kerry at 13%, and Offaly also at 13%. By contrast, neighbouring commuter counties such as Wicklow stand at just 4%, with Galway also at a low 3%.

“This is not just about Kildare. There is a clear pattern where fast-growing commuter counties are being overlooked while other regions receive significantly higher levels of support.”

Cllr Clear said the figures highlight a fundamental flaw in how educational disadvantage is currently assessed.

“Kildare is one of the fastest growing counties in Ireland. Families are moving here in large numbers, placing enormous pressure on schools, yet the supports are not keeping pace.”

He warned that the current DEIS model is failing to recognise hidden and emerging disadvantage in commuter areas.

“There are real and growing needs in counties like Kildare, but because they do not always fit traditional DEIS criteria, they are being ignored. That is not acceptable.”

Cllr Clear concluded by calling for an urgent review of the allocation model.

“If we are serious about tackling educational disadvantage, then funding must follow population growth and real need, not outdated metrics. Kildare cannot continue to be treated as an afterthought. These figures clearly show we are being left behind, and that must change.”