The mother of an 11-year-old girl, who has not secured a secondary school place for next year, says she has no alternative option if things don't work out at their local school.
Lyn from Malahide in North Dublin has put her daughter - who is currently in sixth class - on a waiting list for a local secondary school.
However, she says she has no option open to her if a place cannot be guaranteed next September.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Lyn explained: "I don't know if you can imagine what this is doing to us and her... going into school every day and all the kids talking about their place in secondary school.
"I don't have an alternative - there's no other school in my area."
She suggested: "It's no shocker - in 2012, all of these kids went into primary school. In 2020, those same children are going to need a place in secondary school.
"I would have hoped and asked and just wanted that a child could go to school where they're brought up and where they live... it's actually so upsetting and very stressful."
Lyn says she does think her daughter will eventually secure a place, but they will be left 'dangling' until that happens.
She added: "I don't know when - and that really stresses me out.
"I don't know when we'll get that letter, and until I get that letter I won't be happy or content."
She called for Government planning to ensure school needs are met for the local community, as well as a 'sensible registration list' where parents are 'upfront, honest and open' about the schools they are applying for.
In a statement, the Department of Education said they use a geographical information system to identify where the pressure for school places across the country arises.
They added that a new post-primary school was established last year in the area, and the requirement for new schools will be kept under ongoing review.
