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 announcement that Athenry will be one of just five towns nationwide selected to pilot a new Single Application System for post-primary school admissions.
The pilot, announced by Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee TD and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan TD, will launch this October for school places in September 2026.
“This is a hugely positive development for Athenry families,” said Minister Canney. “The new system will make it easier and fairer for parents to apply for post-primary school places, including for students with special educational needs.”
Three schools in Athenry are taking part in the pilot:
Presentation College
Clarin College
Coláiste an Eachréidh
The pilot will allow parents to apply to any or all of these schools through a single online form. It also standardises timelines and reduces the stress and confusion associated with managing multiple applications.
“This initiative will remove unnecessary duplication, provide clarity for parents, and ease the administrative burden on schools. I’m particularly pleased that it includes provision for special classes — this is a step forward for inclusive education,” Minister Canney added.
The system is part of a wider Programme for Government commitment to create a nationwide common school application process. A full national rollout is expected in the coming years, informed by the insights gathered through the Athenry and other pilot areas.
Further information for parents and guardians will be published in September 2025, ahead of the application window opening on 1 October.
