Construction projects in counties Meath, Kildare and Dublin have reached completion with the opening of new school buildings and specialist facilities, supported by significant investment from the Department of Education and Youth.

In Co Meath, Scoil Cholmcille in Skryne welcomed the opening of a new sensory room, part of the school's wider development initiatives. The sensory room provides a dedicated space to support learning, creativity, and wellbeing. The project complements the school's ongoing Green School programme, which has earned its seventh Green Flag. On a visit to the school, Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee TD, said: "This is a space designed to support learning, calm, creativity and wellbeing. It is a space for those who may need some quiet time, some space to regulate feelings and to engage the senses in new ways. It ensures everyone can access all the school has to offer academically, socially, actively and creatively while attending Scoil Cholmcille."

-- Advertisement --

The Department has invested over €431 million in Meath since 2020, supporting the completion of 67 school building projects with 25 more currently under construction.

In Co Kildare, Mercy Convent Primary School in Naas officially opened a new building featuring 30 modern classrooms, communal areas, a sensory room, and two autism classes. The development, designed to accommodate over 600 students, represents a major upgrade in learning environments and facilities. Since 2020, the Department has invested over €382 million in Kildare, completing 64 school building projects, with 22 more in progress.

While attending the opening of the new facilities in Naas, Minister McEntee said: "It is a great honour to be here with you to celebrate the official opening of your new school building. I am very honoured and proud of the role my department has played in providing you with the state-of-the-art building and facilities to support the great work of the school."

Hedgestown National School in Lusk, Co Dublin, also marked the official opening of its new school building, completed in 2024, alongside two recently added autism classes. These developments provide additional capacity and inclusive learning spaces, enabling teachers and support staff to better meet the needs of all pupils.

Minister McEntee said: "You have had a while to settle into your new mainstream building as it was finished in 2024. The new autism classes are a very recent addition as they opened last month for the start of the new school year. Your commitment to inclusion is evident by celebrating the official opening of both on the same day."

In Dublin, the Department has invested over €1.6 billion since 2020, completing 328 school building projects, with 99 more underway. These projects reflect the ongoing commitment to modernising school infrastructure across Ireland, providing state-of-the-art facilities to support educational development and inclusion.