|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee TD has announced a landmark €7.55 billion capital investment for the education sector under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2026–2030, with a strong focus on expanding special education provision and modernising school infrastructure nationwide.
The funding will support:
- Completion of approximately 300 school building projects, delivering 22,300 school places across primary, post-primary, and special schools
- Creation of 14,000 new places in special classes and special schools, through new builds, upgrades, and modular accommodation
- Expansion of capacity in mainstream schools via targeted construction and extension projects
- Annual payment of the minor works grant to support ongoing maintenance of the school estate
Minister McEntee stated:
“This investment will help deliver a world-class education system that breaks down barriers and ensures every child can reach their full potential.”
Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan TD added:
“We are committed to delivering inclusive education and ensuring every child has access to a school place that meets their needs.”
The funding will be front-loaded in the early years of the programme, with €1.6 billion allocated in both 2026 and 2027, followed by €1.55 billion in 2028 and €1.4 billion annually in 2029 and 2030.
An implementation plan detailing project rollouts and priorities will be published in Autumn 2025, following a review by the Department’s Planning and Building Unit. The plan will emphasise value for money, functionality, and maximising existing capacity.
You can read the full announcement on the Department of Education and Youth’s website.
Minister for Education Helen McEntee
