Parents of primary school children in two Tipperary towns have supported a move away from Catholic patronage while four other towns have rejected the move.
The announcement by the Education Minister follows a survey in 38 areas across the country by the Department of Education as part of the drive to provide plurality and choice in the types of primary schools in Ireland.
The majority of respondents in Clonmel and Nenagh signalled a preference for a move away from Catholic patronage.
However the survey showed there was insufficient demand for change in Carrick on Suir, Roscrea, Thurles and Tipperary Town.
In all 23 of those areas surveyed signaled a demand for change. The Catholic management of each of those schools will now be contacted by the Department – which will ask that they consider options for reconfiguring the schools.
