Budget 2026: Schools have a funding shortage and the price of everything is rising

Colm Ó’Suilleabháin, principal of St Oliver’s Primary School in Killarney. The school has upwards of 650 students, and costs about €50,000 a month to run. Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan

When teachers at St Oliver’s primary school in Killarney need to replace basic items in their classroom, they approach their school principal Colm Ó’Suilleabháin “almost half apologising”.

“They are nearly apologising to you,” Mr Ó’Suilleabháin explained.