There has been widespread welcome for news that 5 primary schools in Tipperary Town have gained DEIS Status.
The schools have been campaigning for inclusion in the programme which provides extra resources for several years.
Tipperary Junior Boys National School, Tipperary Girls National School, St. Joseph’s Primary School, Scoil na mBraithre and Gael Scoil Thiobraid Arann are now officially recognised as DEIS schools.
The schools were given an interim support package when they were excluded in 2017 but this did not provide all of the supports available to a DEIS school.
Deputy Michael Lowry says the future is brighter for many students, families and the schools themselves as children from more challenging backgrounds and disadvantaged socio-economic situations can participate more effectively in their education.
Deputy Lowry paid tribute to the schools themselves and the protests organised by March4Tipp saying when you leave school at 13 years of age you have so little chance of ever gaining employment meaning the cycle of deprivation continues.
DEIS will help to change all of that. The Revitalisation Task Force in Tipperary Town has highlighted the low levels of educational attainment as one issue to tackle as part of the Town Revitalisation.
In total 25 schools in county Tipperary were announced for DEIS status yesterday.
