A streamlined system for applying to second-level schools will be piloted across five towns later this year in a bid to overhaul what parents describe as a chaotic and stressful applications process. The single applications system for admission to first year will be piloted in Athenry, Co Galway; Celbridge, Co Kildare; Clonakilty, Co Cork; Greystones, Co Wicklow; and Tullamore, Co Offaly. Minister for Education Helen McEntee has pledged to expand the system nationwide if it is successful.
