Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the publication of the results of the Department of Education’s Primary School Survey, which provides a detailed insight into the views of parents and guardians on the future of primary education.

The survey, the largest of its kind ever undertaken in Ireland, gathered the views of parents and guardians on issues including school patronage, co-educational provision and language of instruction.

The survey attracted significant participation nationwide, with more than 200,000 validated responses received from families across Ireland. Galway recorded one of the highest response rates in the country, with more than 11,500 households taking part and a response rate of 55.1%, well above the national average.

The Galway results show strong support across a range of educational options. The survey found that 97.5% of households expressed a preference for co-educational school provision, 41.7% expressed a preference for multi-denominational patronage and 30.2% expressed a preference for education through Irish.

Welcoming the publication of the findings, Minister Canney said: “The level of engagement from Galway families is very encouraging. More than 11,500 households took part in the survey, demonstrating the importance that parents place on education and the future direction of their local schools.

“The significant response from Galway families provides valuable information for schools, patrons and communities as they consider future planning and development. The survey is ultimately about giving parents a voice and ensuring that local communities have an opportunity to shape the future direction of education in their area.”

Minister Canney noted that school-specific results have now been provided to individual schools, allowing boards of management and school communities to review the findings and consider what they may mean at local level.

“Every school community is different and the most important conversations will now take place locally. The survey provides schools and communities with valuable information that can help inform those discussions and any future decisions about educational provision.”

Schools that wish to be included in the first phase of implementing changes arising from the survey process have until 31 October 2026 to notify the Department of Education and their patron following consultation with their school communities.