Minister Naughton sees education in action during school visits across County Kildare
- Published on: 14 January 2026
- Last updated on: 14 January 2026
Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, has today (Wednesday, 14 January) visited three schools in Kildare, including St Wolstan’s Community College in Celbridge as it celebrated the truly special milestone of its 70th year in education, and 25th year as a community school.
The Minister said that she was delighted to be present for the special occasion and described it as a proud moment for the school.
Minister Naughton said:
“It is a real pleasure to be here at St Wolstan’s Community College to celebrate the fantastic work that has been delivered in this school over the past seventy years. Today’s anniversary speaks not only to longevity, but to the lasting role this school has played in the life of Celbridge and the wider community over the past seven decades.
“This is a proud moment for this school, one that honours the past, celebrates the present and looks confidently to the future. Thank you for inviting me to be part of this special occasion and I wish the whole school community continued success in the years ahead.”
The Minister extended her thanks to the school Principal Francis Carolan, Deputy Principals Anne Smyth and Elaine Brady and the chairperson of the Board of Management David Trost for their invitation to attend.
St Patrick’s National School, Hazelhatch, Celbridge
The Minister also visited St Patrick’s National School, Hazelhatch, Celbridge which she said was an integral part of a vibrant growing community.
Minister Naughton said:
“I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank the team of teachers, SNAs and the wider school community who work with pupils on a daily basis to help them achieve their potential and become the best that they can be. Their dedication is the heart and soul of St Patrick’s National School. I am confident that the young people in this school community will continue to thrive under their guidance.”
Minister Naughton extended her thanks to School Principal Jennifer Quigley, and to Breda Holmes, the chairperson of the Board of Management for the opportunity to visit today.
Coláiste Chiaráin, Leixlip, Co. Kildare
Minister Naughton also visited Coláiste Chiaráin, Leixlip, Co. Kildare where she commended the school for its great work.
Minister Naughton said:
“Coláiste Chiaráin is an example of what a truly inclusive school is. From welcoming Leixlip Educate Together National School to share their campus in 2022, to opening a hub for students with Autism, this is a school embodies the values of what it means to be an inclusive school community.”
The Minister said that our world needs people who care for our planet and that Coláiste Chiaráin is committed to playing an active role in this endeavour.
She commented:
“Coláiste Chiaráin is about to embark on a huge retrofit project which will reduce its carbon footprint and make the school more energy efficient. As we learn about looking after our planet in school lessons, there is no better way to teach and learn about it than to take action.”
The Minister extended her thanks to Principal, Mark Neville; Deputy Principal, Louise Doran, and to everyone who made the visit possible.
Notes to editors
Since 2020, the Department of Education and Youth has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of almost 1,400 school building projects, including over 70 new school buildings.
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 80% of new special classes in 2025/26 are being facilitated in repurposed classroom accommodation.
Close to 300 projects are currently under construction, including 38 new school buildings.
Since 2020, the Department of Education and Youth has invested:
* Over €397m supporting the completion of 74 school building projects with a further 13 currently in construction, in Kildare. 5 projects in Kildare were announced in the first tranche of 297 projects under the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme.