Demand for all-Irish primary schools in South Dublin has doubled since 2001. The figures emerge at a time when campaigners in Dublin are attempting to establish an all Irish second level education school in Dublin.

In Ireland, Gaelscoils typically exist outside of Irish speaking areas. Here, students are fully immersed in the language as they study the standard curriculum through the medium of the Irish language.

However, the demand for primary places is not being matched by the creation of additional places in Irish language second level schools.

"There is massive unmet demand for Irish language second-level education in South Dublin," said Lugh O Braonain, spokesperson for the campaign to set up a new school, Bunchoiste Gaelcholaiste Dheisceart Atha Cliath.