Central Statistics Office figures show that Meath's population now stands at 162,621, trailing behind only neighbouring Fingal for the highest growth rate in the country.
The figures reveal massive population explosions in Co Meath, particularly in the east Meath area which includes Laytown, Bettystown, Stamullen and Julianstown.
The St Mary's electoral division, which includes the coastal villages of Bettystown, Laytown and Mornington, has seen a dramatic 59.6 per cent increase in population. Julianstown has seen an increase of 42 per cent.
The Meath East Community Association says an educational crisis "was inevitable" given the creation of the new community without any facilities or amenities.
According to one mother, the only thing she has seen built in Laytown since 2001 are houses. "We were sold a dream when we moved here from north Dublin six years ago."
"We checked this all out before we signed for our house. We went to public meetings held when the last local area plan was being drafted and were told by the planners and councillors that there would be amenities provided and we felt secure moving here to rear a young family.
"Now I don't see that dream being realised in time for our children."
There is no second-level school in east Meath and some parents are dropping their children to school in Dublin on their way to work.
In the coastal area there is no playground, although land has been identified for one.
According to Thea Allen, chairwoman of the community association: "There are three playing pitches for a population of 21,000 and we are about to lose one of those for social housing."
The library in Laytown was closed by the county council in May after what a spokeswoman said were "ongoing health and safety issues which culminated in a number of serious break-ins over the May bank holiday weekend." The council said it was no longer possible to guarantee the safety of staff or the public accessing the library.
There has also been criticism of proposals by the council to build 24 additional houses as part of a remedial scheme on one of the oldest estates, Alverno Heights in Laytown.
The council said: "From the outset residents who attended these meetings indicated that they did not favour any infill, which they felt might add to existing problems by bringing in more young families to the estate."