It has emerged that the five primary schools in Tipperary town who applied to be given Deis or disadvantaged status have not been successful in their plea.
Last year the schools came together and sought the support of local political representatives and education agencies in their bid to secure the status which would have given them additional supports and resources.
However, in publishing the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools plan for 2017, the Education Minister failed to include the Tipperary town schools.
Speaking in the wake of the announcement, local TD Jackie Cahill expressed his disappointment at the decision and said that it is a matter that will continue to be raised.
The last time additional schools were given DEIS status was in 2009, so there are concerns that by leaving the Tipperary town schools out of the programme this time around they may have to wait for years before they can reapply.
