Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has confirmed that five schools in Galway East are included in the first tranche of school building projects under the National Development Plan (NDP) Sectoral Investment Plan for Education and Youth.

The plan, published by the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton TD, provides €7.55 billion in capital investment for schools nationally over the 2026–2030 period, with 105 priority projects progressing to tender and construction during 2026 and 2027.

The inclusion of these Galway East projects forms part of a wider programme of sustained investment in school infrastructure across Galway. More than €250 million has been invested in Galway schools since 2020, with 88 schools upgraded through new buildings, extensions or modular accommodation, and 17 projects currently under construction across the county.

In Galway East, the projects included in this initial tranche are:

  • Scoil Náisiúnta Seosamh Naofa, Carrabane – Large-scale new school building
  • Gaelscoil Riada, Athenry – Large-scale new school building
  • Coláiste an Eachraidh, Athenry – Large-scale new school building
  • Archbishop McHale College, Tuam – Modular extension
  • S.N. Na Coille Glaise, Mountbellew – Modular extension

Minister Canney said the inclusion of five Galway East schools reflects both population growth across the area and the need to plan school capacity in a structured and forward-looking way.

“These projects will deliver modern, fit-for-purpose school facilities in Carrabane, Athenry, Tuam and Mountbellew, while building on the significant investment already made in Galway schools in recent years,” Minister Canney said.

He added that the NDP provides clarity for schools and communities, with a further 10 Galway school projects due to progress to tender or construction during 2026 and 2027, alongside continued investment in special education provision. 

Notes to Editors

 

Full list of Galway schools included in the first tranche of the NDP rollout are:

  • Scoil Náisiúnta Seosamh Naofa, Carrabane
  • Coláiste Cholmcille, Inverin
  • Gaelscoil Riada, Athenry
  • Coláiste an Eachraidh, Athenry
  • Clifden Community School, Ardbear
  • St. Joseph’s Special School, Galway City
  • Scoil Mhuire, Moycullen
  • Scoil an Chroí Naofa, Ballinasloe
  • Archbishop McHale College, Tuam
  • S.N. Na Coille Glaise, Mountbellew