A protest will take place in Athenry this afternoon over cuts to courses offered by the Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board.
The cuts are as a result of a budget reduction, and affect English language classes and adult literacy programmes.
This is a result of budget cuts to the GRETB from SOLAS, the state agency that oversees the Further Education and Training Sector.
Previously, local Sinn Fein TD Louis O Hara has described the decision as "cruel", saying in real terms, it amounts to 25 teachers being let go and 150 classes being cancelled.
The Teachers Union of Ireland is now describing the development as a "complete shock" and branding it "unacceptable and short-sighted".
It says these critical programmes support literacy, second chance learners and offer a vital service for those for whom English is not their first language.
The TUI adds to make matters worse, some of the staff affected were approaching the point of being made permanent.
A protest will now take place outside the GRETB offices at Station Road in Athenry this lunchtime, calling for an immediate reversal of the funding cuts.
