Minister Naughton to visit schools in Laois where she will witness the dedication and hard work of staff and students first-hand
- Published on: 6 February 2026
- Last updated on: 6 February 2026
• Minister will also visit Co Laois as part of a series of school community engagement events on the National Conversation on Education
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton is visiting Co Laois today (Friday) as part of a series of school community engagement events being held on the National Conversation on Education.
The outcomes of the National Conversation on Education will be used to inform the agenda for the Convention on Education which will take place later this year. The Convention in turn, will inform a new long-term strategy for the future of education in Ireland.
The Minister will pay a visit to Laois Education Support Centre, where children, students and school staff, and members of school communities from across Laois and Offaly, are anticipated to play their part in contributing to the National Conversation.
Minister Naughton said:
“As part of the National Conversation on Education a series of school community events are taking place across the country, with today’s event held in Portlaoise. These gatherings give children, young people and the wider school community an opportunity to share experiences and perspectives on what is working well in our education system and what we can improve.
“Most importantly, they place the child and young person at the heart of the discussion, ensuring that their needs, hopes and potential guide our thinking about the future of education in Ireland. The themes emerging from these events, together with the National Conversation on Education Survey and regional forums, will shape the agenda for the upcoming Convention on Education. The outcomes of this work will inform the long term strategy, Our Schools Our Future, helping to ensure that every child, and future generations, are given the strongest possible start in life."
The National Conversation on Education is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for children, young people, parents, educators and wider society to help shape Ireland’s education system for decades to come.
As part of this, school community engagement events are taking place across the country, inviting deep discussion on how we might shape the future of education in Ireland. These events invite pupils, teachers, parents and the wider school community to come together to share their experience of education today and what their hopes for the future of education are. The themes and ideas identified at the events will in tun be discussed at wider regional events and help inform the agenda for the Convention on Education.
Anyone who wants to share their views on the future of education may do so through completing the survey here.
Separately, Minister Naughton is also visiting schools in Co Laois today, where she will witness first-hand the great work being undertaken by dedicated staff and students in classrooms and beyond.
Portlaoise College, Portlaoise, Co Laois
Minister Naughton is visiting Portlaoise College today to celebrate the official opening of the new modular building.
Minister Naughton said:
"It is twenty years since the school was first established. It has grown to a school with over 1,000 students and that has to be a testament to the great work being done here.
“My department works very hard to ensure that every young person has access to quality education, and that our schools cater for all learning styles and provide support for any obstacles which may hamper your learning progress. Portlaoise College is a great example of how this can be done.
“Portlaoise College has a proud reputation for inclusion, innovation, and student engagement, and that is something you should all be very proud of. Schools thrive when there is strong partnership between students, families, educators, and the wider community and that partnership is clearly alive and well here.”
The Minister extended her thanks to the principal, Noel Daly, the deputy principals, the board members, the LOETB and everyone involved in making the visit possible.
Portlaoise Educate Together National School, Portlaoise
Minister Naughton said she was delighted to visit Portlaoise Educate Together NS today (Friday) and to see some of the great work being undertaken at the school.
Minister Naughton said:
“Portlaoise Educate Together NS is a wonderful example of what it is to provide inclusive education. The special classes provide additional support for some, and this means siblings and friends get to attend the same school.
“The school has grown considerably since it was first established in 2010. It moved from Railway Street in 2013 to its permanent home here. In 2016, an extension was built to accommodate two special classes, and this year’s addition to the school buildings shows just how popular your school is. The numbers of pupils enrolling is increasing steadily and that is no surprise.”
“I look forward to hearing about their future successes, and wish them well for the rest of the school year. I hope that the children in Portlaoise Education Together continue to enjoy learning and working in the new modular building.
The Minister extended her thanks to principal, Darach Kennedy, deputy principal, Padraic Bourke and the chairperson of the board of management, Jane Heffernan, for welcoming her.
Maryborough National School, Portlaoise
Minister Naughton is also paying tribute to teachers, dedicated SNAs, ancillary staff and the wider school community, during a visit today at Maryborough National School.
The Minister said:
“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. Inclusive buildings like this one give practical substance to these ambitions.”
The Minister extended her thanks to: School Principal Brid Ann Buggie, Acting Deputy Principal Suzie Barry and to Hazel Conroy, the Chairperson of the Board of Management, for the opportunity to be there, as well as the current and previous Boards of Management for their ongoing support and their dedication and commitment to the smooth running of the school.
Gaelscoil Phortlaoise, Co Laoise
The Minister is also paying a visit to Gaelscoil Phortlaoise to see how the heart and soul of the Irish language is alive and well in this school. She said she was delighted to meet everyone involved with the school, including the wonderful students.
Kolbe Special School, Portlaoise
Minister Naughton will also be paying a visit to Kolbe Special School today where she will meet with dedicated staff and witness the dedicated work going on within the school community.
Notes to Editor:
County Laois:
- Between 2020 and 2025, the Department of Education has provided €144.77 million in capital funding for Laois schools.
- Over this period, a total of 29 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation.
- There are currently 9 school projects in Laois under construction.
- Another 2 school projects will go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027, and this summer, 5 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Summer Works Scheme / Climate Action scheme.
- In addition, since 2020 a total of 63 special classes have been opened in Laois, 6 of which were sanctioned for September 2026