Minister Naughton to pay tribute to work of school communities as she visits schools in Monaghan
- Published on: 22 January 2026
- Last updated on: 22 January 2026
Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, will perform the official opening of a new modular build at Inver College, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan this morning (Thursday).
Speaking in advance of the visit, the Minister said that it was a great privilege for her to perform this duty for this wonderful occasion. She said that she hoped the new modular build will provide the setting for students to develop their abilities and create opportunities for their personal growth.
Minister Naughton said:
“I am sure that everybody is immensely proud of the addition of this modular build. Education improves our society, boosts our children’s potential and is integral to our economic success. Our approach to education is about giving every child an equal opportunity in life, supported in this school through the DEIS programme and by providing inclusive buildings which gives practical substance to these ambitions.”
The Minister extended her thanks to the school Principal Sinead Mc Colgan, Deputy Principals Fiona Mulholland and Pauric Finnegan and Colm Mc Carthy Chairperson of the Board of Management for the invitation to visit the school.
She also acknowledged Dr Fiona Mc Grath, Chief Executive and Paddy Flood, Director of Schools of Cavan Monaghan Education and Training Board and the representatives of the Board of Management who were responsible for getting this project to where it is today.
St Dympna’s National School, Tydavnet
Minister Naughton will also visit St. Dympna’s National School, which she said is a very important part of the local community in Tydavnet and is a school with a strong tradition of helping every child to grow. She acknowledged and thanked the team of teachers, SNAs and staff who work with pupils every day at St. Dympna’s, stating that their dedication is the heart and soul of the school.
Minister Naughton said:
"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributes and is part of this school community. Their contributions are crucial to shaping the future of education in this community. I am excited to see the incredible achievements that will come from this school and the positive impact it will have on our community."
The Minister extended her thanks to School Principal, Daniel Murphy, and to Caroline Mc Nally, Chairperson of the Board of Management, for the opportunity to visit the school.
Minister Naughton will also visit Monaghan Collegiate School, Corlatt Co Monaghan today, where she will be able to witness first-hand the work and dedication of members of the school community.
On Friday (23 January), Minister Naughton will visit Monaghan Community Special School in Castleblaney, Co Monaghan.
Speaking in advance of her visit, she commended all those involved in getting this building ready for September 2025.
Minister Naughton commented:
"Monaghan Community Special School is an example of what it means to be a truly inclusive school. Monaghan pupils and students no longer need to travel such long distances, to another county and can enjoy what our education system has to offer in their own county.
“Further modifications are planned for out-of-term time, where possible, which is to ensure that the learning environment has as little disruption as possible.”
The Minister extended her thanks to Principal, Belinda Walters; Deputy Principal, Majella Nugent; Director of Schools, Paddy Flood, and to everyone who made this visit possible. She said the school is a testament to the Cavan Monaghan ETBs commitment to providing high quality, inclusive education for all.
Notes to Editors
Since 2020, the Department 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.
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 per cent 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 €104.41m supporting the completion of 24 school building projects with a further four currently in construction, in Monaghan. Three projects in Monaghan were announced in the first tranche of 297 projects under the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme.