Almost 6,500 fewer children are attending primary school this year compared to last.
That's according to figures published by the Department of Education.
Declining population in the primary school going age group has been earmarked as one of the reasons behind the decline.
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St Mary's National School in Aughnasheelin was at risk of losing one of its teachers owing to a shortage in student numbers last September.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show, Louise Gallagher who's a member of the parents association there says support is needed for rurals:
