Minister Naughton visiting schools in Limerick and pays tribute to dedicated staff and students

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton is visiting schools in Limerick today (Friday) where she will have an opportunity to meet with many dedicated staff and students and hear about their many achievements.

The Minister said that she was delighted to be visiting schools in the region today, and to be able to witness learning and teaching that is dynamic, creative and very much student-centred.

She said that the work that is ongoing in the schools is a testament to the dedication and supportive relationships between staff and students.

At Castletroy College, Minister Naughton will have the opportunity to meet members of staff, as well as Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle students, and members of the Student Council and the school’s special classes. The Minister will also speak with 5th/6th year Politics and Society students.

She said:

“Since opening its doors in September 2000 with just 165 students, Castletroy College has grown into a thriving school community of 1,360 students today. That growth is not just a measure of numbers, but a reflection of the trust placed in the school by the local families, and the strength of its reputation for excellence, care, inclusion and success.

“Central to that success is the strong ETB ethos that underpins the work of the school. Built on the core values of Excellence in Education, Care, Respect, Equality, and Community, this ethos is clearly visible in all aspects of life in Castletroy College.

The Minister extended her thanks for the invitation to staff and students at the school for making the visit possible.

Minister Naughton said:

“The school’s deep commitment to inclusion is evident in all aspects of your work here in Castletroy College. The care and support provided to students with additional educational needs, and the way in which you embrace and celebrate your culturally diverse community, are truly commendable. This inclusive ethos is not just something you speak about, it is clearly lived every day in the life of the school.

“Schools like Castletroy College play a vital role in shaping not only academic outcomes, but confident, capable, and compassionate young people. The environment you have created here allows students to thrive in every sense.”

Minister Naughton is also visiting Limerick Community Special School today and Glenroe Community National School today where she will meet members of the school communities.

The Minister will also be attending an event at Thomond Community College this afternoon where she will officially launch a book - ‘Teaching the Sustainable Development Goals to Young Citizens (10-16 years): A Focus on Teaching Hope, Respect, Empathy and Advocacy in Schools’ edited by Dr Anne Dolan.

Notes to Editor

• Since 2020, the Department of Education has provided €299.44 million in capital funding for Limerick schools.
• Over this period, a total of 53 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation.
• There are currently 6 school projects in Limerick under construction.
• Another 5 school projects will go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027, and this summer, 10 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme.
• In addition, since 2020 a total of 116 special classes have been opened in Limerick, of which 24 were sanctioned for September 2026.

ENDS