People would be ‘saddened’ if Donegal national school closed, acting principal says

The Acting Principal of Fintra National School said that “people would be saddened if it did close” after a public meeting was held to discuss the school’s future viability from September 2026.

Aisling Meehan spoke to Donegal Live after a well-attended public meeting was held at the school.

Fintra National School is located on spacious grounds, around two miles from Killybegs, and is a co-educational Catholic primary school.

A planned survey is to be conducted to see the possibility of future pupils being enrolled into the school, after the meeting of around 80 people took place this week. 

Meehan said: “The plan, really, at the moment is that we have contacted some prospective parents who were at the meeting, who have school-age children, and we were asking them to survey the parents around the area about eligible school-age children, or children for the following years. To find out if people would be interested in sending children here, as parents have a choice of maybe three schools.”

It was reported at the meeting that the school had four students enrolled, down from 22 students, which was listed on the national government website, last updated in July 2025. 

“We would have had foreign national children, who would have moved on to other areas,” said Meehan. “We had some children who moved on to secondary school as well. 

“There had been a decrease in enrolment of about 15% per annum for about the last 10 years. We would have situations where we were boy-heavy, as we had a lot of boys. 

“People would have sent their children to Fintra, but because there were few girls. When that happened for a few years, we would not have had as many girls. We do find the social aspect a big issue, as people would like a mixture of boys and girls. 

“There are no housing estates being built around the area as well.” 

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When asked about when more information would be known about Fintra National School’s future, and the importance of the school to the local community, Meehan replied: “At the moment, we would not have a timeframe for a final decision. 

“The school is vital to the community. It is very obvious from the meeting, where we had 80 people. It is where people meet. We had a few past pupils who said how important it was that they were still friends.

“We were hoping to keep it open and to get the numbers enrolled for the school and for the next year. Nobody wants to see any school closed, and it is, in my opinion, a great resource. People would be saddened if it did close.”

The official statement from Fintra National School said: “The board of management of Fintra National School had a public consultation meeting on Monday, January 12, regarding the future of the school from September 2026.

“There were in excess of 80 people present from the community, including some public representatives and interested parties from other schools.

“The school currently has an enrolment of four pupils, three permanent teachers, along with one special needs assistant, one secretary and one cleaner. 

“The enrolment has declined on average 15% per annum over the last ten years. 

“Many people expressed their fond memories of the school and their gratitude and appreciation of the education and experiences that their children received. Many constructive suggestions were proposed with the Board of Management will give serious consideration to at their next meeting.

“It is imperative that those that have an interest in enrolling for September 2026, would inform the school immediately.”