THE Catholic Church has identified 47 towns and suburbs where it is considering handing over control of schools to the State.
Parents with children in the 258 schools will be asked what type of school they want.
The areas are regarded as those with the greatest need for more choice in line with religious and cultural changes in society.
The move is part of a wider shake-up in control of primary education recommended by an expert group set up by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn.
The Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector, published preliminary recommendations Thursday.
* Where Catholic schools may be handed over:
Dublin: Postal districts 4, 6, 8; Whitehall, Malahide, Portmarnock, Skerries.
Clare: Shannon.
Cork: Bandon, Carrigaline, Cobh, Mallow, Youghal.
Donegal: Buncrana, Letterkenny.
Galway: Ballinasloe, Tuam.
Kerry: Killarney.
Kildare: Celbridge, Leixlip, Maynooth, Newbridge.
Longford: Longford.
Mayo: Ballina, Castlebar, Westport.
Meath: Dunboyne, Kells, Trim.
Monaghan: Monaghan.
Offaly: Birr, Tullamore.
Roscommon: Roscommon.
Sligo: Sligo.
Tipperary: Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel, Thurles, Tipperary.
Waterford: Dungarvan, Tramore.
Westmeath: Athlone, Mullingar.
Wexford: Enniscorthy, New Ross, Wexford.
Wicklow: Arklow, Wicklow