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09 Feb 2026

No school places for 30 children in this Kildare town

'Rapidly growing population is not being catered for'

Naas homeless man's mother appeals for help for son

Naas

Reporter:

Paul O'Meara

09 Feb 2026 6:30 PM

Email:

paul@leinsterleader.ie

Some 30 children in Naas currently have no school place for September, according to Cllr Bill Clear who's described the situation as a complete failure  and a disgraceful example of poor forward planning.
Cllr Clear said that families are under huge and unnecessary stress as a result of the failure to provide sufficient school places for a rapidly growing population.
“This is not a marginal issue. Thirty children in Naas have no school place confirmed for September. That means thirty families living with anxiety, uncertainty, and frustration through no fault of their own,” he said, blaming the Department of Education.
“This is a failure by the departmnt to plan ahead. Naas has seen a significant population increase over recent years. Thousands of houses have been built, yet basic services like school places have not kept pace. Homes are being delivered without the supporting infrastructure that families need.”
Cllr Clear said the situation is particularly unacceptable given Ireland’s resources today.
“This did not happen in the 1950s, 60s or 70s, 80s when this country was far poorer than it is now. Families may not have had much, but children had school places. How is this happening in 2026?
"This is not just about numbers on a page. These are real children and real parents being let down by a system that is supposed to plan for growth and protect families. It is a total disgrace, and urgent action is needed to ensure every child in Naas has a school place for September.
Cllr Clear has called on the Department of Education to immediately outline how and when the shortfall in school places in Naas will be addressed.
The department has been contacted for comment.

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