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Minister Naughton to Turn Sod on Major Extension at St. Gerald’s College During Mayo School Visits
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Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton today (Thursday) will visit schools across County Mayo, including St. Gerald’s DLS College in Castlebar, where she will officially turn the sod on a significant extension project that will enhance facilities for future generations of students.
The extension to St. Gerald’s, which is due to be completed next year, will see the school reap the benefits of having four additional mainstream classrooms in addition to a construction studies room and prep area, a home economics room and a textiles room.
The new development at St. Gerald’s College, which is expected to be completed next year, will provide four additional mainstream classrooms, a construction studies room and preparation area, a home economics room and a textiles room.
The project marks a major milestone for the Castlebar school, which has grown and evolved over more than a century and is now home to almost 700 students.
As part of her visit to Mayo, Minister Naughton will also visit Scoil Naisiúnta Toin na Gaoithe in Achill and Robeen Central National School in Hollymount, where she will meet pupils, school leaders, teachers and members of the wider school communities.
Scoil Náisiúnta Tóin na Gaoithe has been officially recognised by the department as a Gaeltacht School through the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme. This achievement was celebrated with other Mayo Gaeltacht schools at an event in Westport in October 2024. To achieve this recognition, the school demonstrated that it was fulfilling the language-based criteria for the scheme. These include providing high-quality education through the medium of Irish, participating in the language planning process for the area, and fostering links with the community to promote the use of Irish.
Speaking ahead of the visits, Minister Naughton said:
“I am delighted to visit schools across County Mayo today and particularly to turn the sod on this important development at St. Gerald’s College. This investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that our schools have the facilities they need to support high-quality teaching and learning and to meet the needs of growing school communities.
“The new extension will provide modern, fit-for-purpose learning spaces that will benefit students for many years to come and support the continued growth and success of St. Gerald’s College.”
The Minister also paid tribute to the contribution of school communities across Mayo.
“Schools are at the heart of communities throughout Mayo. They provide not only excellent educational opportunities but also environments where young people can develop, thrive and reach their full potential.
“I look forward to meeting pupils, students, teachers, school leaders and staff during my visits today and hearing about the important work taking place in their schools. I would also like to thank everyone involved in school life at Scoil Naisiúnta Toin na Gaoithe, Robeen Central National School and St. Gerald’s College for their dedication and commitment to supporting young people every day.”
The Minister wished all pupils, students and school staff an enjoyable summer break and every success for the new school year ahead.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Since 2020, the Department of Education has provided €166.79 million in capital funding for Mayo schools.
- Over this period, a total of 63 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation.
- There are currently 16 school projects in Mayo under construction.
- This summer, 16 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme.
- In addition, since 2020 a total of 52 special classes have been sanctioned in Mayo, of which 15 were sanctioned for September 2026.