Six school building projects to proceed in Meath
Six schools in Meath are set to benefit from new buildings and extensions after the Department of Education confirmed they will move forward to tender or construction stage over the next two years under the National Development Plan.
They include the long awaited new school buildings for Ard Rí Community National School and St Ultan's Special School which will share a campus in Navan, as well as the new school for the Franciscan College, Gormanstown.
Much needed extensions to St Ciaran's Community School in Kells, Duleek Girls NS and Drumconrath NS will also procced.
The announcement was made as part of the Government’s Education Sectoral Plan, which will see significant investment in school infrastructure nationwide between 2026 and 2030.
Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton confirmed that the projects selected for Meath will progress during 2026 and 2027, with a strong focus on increasing capacity, modernising facilities, and delivering enhanced supports for students with additional educational needs.
The investment forms part of the wider National Development Plan (NDP), which includes a total capital commitment of €7.55 billion for education and youth infrastructure over the five-year period.
According to the Department, the plan is designed not only to provide additional school places where needed, but also to ensure that school communities have access to modern, inclusive learning environments.
Among the Meath schools included is St Ciaran’s Community School in Kells, which has received confirmation that its long-awaited extension project has been approved and given the go-ahead to begin.
School representatives welcomed the news, describing it as a major step forward for students, staff and the wider community.
The extension will deliver modernised classrooms and upgraded facilities, with a particular emphasis on supporting special education needs and making the best use of existing school capacity.
The project is expected to enhance the learning environment for all students and ensure that every child has the space and supports needed to reach their full potential.
News that new schools for Ard Rí Community National School and St Ultan's Special School will also proceed is also widely welcomed. Both schools will share a campus at Academy Street, Navan, adjacent to the Baker Hall development. Ard Rí CNS has been in temporary accommodation at Navan Rugby Club since it opened in 2010.
The Meath projects reflect a mix of new builds and extensions aimed at addressing demographic growth, improving facilities, and ensuring schools can continue to meet demand in the coming years.
The Department of Education has outlined that between 2020 and 2025, it provided €459.49 million in capital funding for Meath schools with 62 schools upgraded through new buildings, large-scale extensions, or modular accommodation.
There are currently 14 school projects under construction in Meath and the six further six school projects announced this week w to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027.
This summer, 10 schools are approved for works under the Summer Works Scheme / Climate Action scheme. Since 2020, a total of 119 special classes have been opened in Meath, with 12 sanctioned for September 2026.