Four Offaly Schools get the go-ahead in National Development Plan

Independent TD Carol Nolan has welcomed confirmation from Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton that four schools in County Offaly will be included in newly announced National Development Plan (NDP) Sectoral Plan for the Education and Youth sectors.

The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan involves a capital investment of €7.55bn in schools and Youth Sector for the 2026 to 2030 period.

The four schools in Offaly Scoil Shincill in Killeigh (Primary Additional Accommodation Scheme Extension). St. Brendan’s Community School Post Primary, Birr (Additional Accommodation Scheme Extension). Durrow N.S ( Modular Extension) and Offaly School of Special Education Special Education (Large Scale New School Building).

Deputy Nolan had previously highlighted in October of last year, her concerns that projects for St. Brendan’s, which were initially approved in 2018, could not be authorised until the Department of Education’s NDP implementation programme was published.

The Independent TD had also repeatedly highlighted the urgent need for approval of major works at the Offaly Special of Education, having facilitated an Oireachtas briefing on issues impacting special schools in 2025.

“I think the most important thing now is that the schools see actual delivery. Their inclusion in the NDP is fantastic but we are really beyond the point where we need to see shovels in the ground and works brought to completion,” Deputy Nolan said.

“Announcements are welcome but delivery is what counts,” concluded Deputy Nolan.

ENDS