The Department of Education has assigned patronage of three primary schools in Galway, Wexford and Mayo to Educate Together from September.

The Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan confirmed this morning that four new multi-denominational primary schools are expected to open later this year.

It also includes a gaelscoil in Birr, Co Offaly.

It follows parental surveys carried in 2012, with a view to promoting more diversity in primary education in Ireland.

The surveys were conducted by the department in a number of areas across the country with a view to "divesting" some denominational schools to other patrons in order to promote more diversity in primary education in Ireland.

The first of these "divested" or "re-assigned schools" opened in Dublin, Mayo, Meath and Waterford in September 2014.

Currently in Ireland, over 95% of schools are under Catholic Church or Church of Ireland management.

Educate Together currently runs 74 primary schools nationwide, representing 2% of the schools in Ireland. 

Niall Wall is regional development officer for the south with Educate Together. He is welcoming the news.