Five schools to delay start of new term as mediation works are yet to be completed

It has emerged that other schools, including in Portarlington in Co Laois and in Ratoath in Co Meath, face late delays in opening up for the new school year, joining Gaelscoil Mhichíl Uí Choileáin in Clonakilty in Co Cork, which has had to delay its re-opening for three days next week.

As many as five schools constructed by Western Building Systems face a delay to beginning the new term because of mediation works not being completed in time.

The Department of Education has also said the independent review of the school building and procurement programme would be completed - and ideally published - before the end of this year.