Parents in Westport, Co Mayo, are to keep their children out of class today to highlight the need for a modern school building.
The 185 pupils at the Irish-speaking Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche and their families plan to set up an open-air classroom at the Octagon in the town centre.
Parents fear their children could be left without a school unless the Department of Education acts swiftly to find a new premises as there is just 12 months remaining on the temporary lease on their premises at Altamont Street.
A spokesperson for the parents' committee, Edel Hackett, said yesterday: "Time is running out, and the pupils and teachers could find themselves out on the street.
"As an act of last resort in our five-year battle to secure a permanent school, we will pull our children out of the school tomorrow.
"We will set up an open-air classroom at the Octagon to highlight that fact that our children could be looking at continuing their education on the street if the department delays approval for the new school any longer."
She said the lease on the site where the temporary school is located expires in June 2006, and will not be renewed.
"The Office of Public Works has identified a number of suitable sites in the town where the school could be located.
"However, the department is delaying giving the vital go-ahead so that the site can be purchased and construction of a new, permanent school can begin in time for the school year 2006 - 2007.
"The school, which will have over 195 pupils enrolled next September, is the fastest growing school in Westport.
"Despite this, it is housed in run-down prefabs which have been condemned on health and safety grounds. Young children have to wear coats in class during the winter."