Minister McEntee welcomes official opening of new school extension in Scoil Eoin Báiste in Meath
- Published on: 11 November 2025
- Last updated on: 11 November 2025
Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee, TD, has welcomed the official opening of the new school extension in Scoil Eoin Báiste, Nobber, Co Meath.
The Minister described the new extension as a fantastic achievement for the school which is also celebrating 40 years in their current building. She paid tribute to the school community for their efforts in bringing the project to fruition.
Speaking after the event yesterday (Monday), the Minister said:
“It represents years of hard work, planning, dedication and commitment from the board of management, the principal and staff, the parents’ association and all who supported the project along the way. I would like to acknowledge the efforts and persistence to make this dream a reality for Scoil Eoin Báiste.
“Scoil Eoin Báiste is a leader in inclusive education and the three special classrooms ensure that siblings and friends can be part of the same school community. These three classes are a shining example of what inclusive education means.
“Every child is welcomed, supported and given the opportunity to learn and flourish in settings where different learning styles are embraced and different strengths are fostered and developed. Everyone benefits from inclusion in education, in the work-place and in life."
The Minister also said that the school stands proudly at the heart of the community.
“Like so many small rural schools across the country, it is more than a place of learning. It is a hub of activity, connection and care. The school reflects the spirit of the community it serves. It is welcoming, inclusive and deeply committed to each child who attends. Scoil Eoin Báiste takes great pride in how it supports each individual pupil to reach their potential.”
Minister McEntee extended her thanks to the school’s principal, Anne-Marie McKenna, deputy principal, Katie Dillon, and the chairperson of the board of management, Peter Kenny, for welcoming her and making the visit possible.
Since 2020, the Department of Education and Youth has invested:
* Over €431m supporting the completion of 67 school building projects with a further 25 in construction in Meath.
Notes to editors
Since 2020, the department has invested over €6 billion in schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of over 1,300 school building projects. In addition, repurposing and optimisation of existing accommodation capacity across the school estate has been a key enabler of timely, local provision of special class capacity in a way that supports best practice in inclusion and integration. Circa 80pc of new special classes in 2025/26 are being facilitated in repurposed classroom accommodation.