Government policy means Ireland’s small primary schools still face a “drip, drip” closure over the coming years despite a major U-turn on planned staff cutbacks, a leading protest group has warned.

Up to 3,000 people from communities all over West Cork are expected to stage a protest in Bantry on Friday over changes which they warn could force the closure of small rural schools.

HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend a meeting in West Cork tonight as fears mount that Government-imposed budget cuts will lead to the closure of up to 10 rural schools in the region within three years.