Big boost for Waterford school as funding approved for major extension
Scoil Gharbháin has been given approval for the extension at its grounds in Dungarvan, County Waterford
A school in County Waterford has received a big boost after funding was approved for a major extension.
Scoil Gharbháin has been given approval for the extension at its grounds in Duckspool, Dungarvan.
The extension will consist of four new mainstream classrooms, two special educational classrooms and an additional three special education tuition rooms.
The agreement between the Department of Education and the school follows a meeting with Minister John Cummins, Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton and members of Scoil Gharbháin, including principal Sinéad Uí Ruairc earlier this year.
Speaking today, Minister Cummins said: “This is excellent news, not just for the Scoil Gharbháin school itself, but for the wider Dungarvan and West Waterford area.
“Following a series of meetings earlier this year, all parties agreed to proactively work together to progress this project for the benefit of students and staff at Scoil Gharbháin and I am delighted that we have now reached this point.
“These new facilities will provide Scoil Gharbháin with the modern high-quality learning environment that they deserve, whilst also ensuring that the school is well-equipped to meet the needs of a growing community.
“I would like to thank my Fine Gael colleague, Minister Hildegarde Naughton , who has engaged extensively with me in respect of Scoil Gharbháin’s accommodation requirements.
“And importantly, I want to pay tribute to the School Principal, Sinéad Uí Ruairc, staff, Board of Management and parents for their work in bringing this forward, and I look forward to seeing these works progress in the time ahead,” Minister Cummins concluded.
The Department of Education has recently concluded its review of Scoil Gharbháin’s confirmed enrolment for September 2026 as well as enrolment projections.
Further engagement took place in the context of the National Development Plan, including the provision of Irish-medium education in the area.
The project brief has been formally accepted by Scoil Gharbháin’s Board of Management.
The project will now be transferred to the modular delivery unit in the Department of Education and will progress to full design and construction, pending planning permission.