No New School Planned For North Kildare As Department Focuses On Extending Existing Buildings

Monday, 16 June 2025 10:18

By Martin Osborne

Education Minister Helen McEntee said new schools are only approved in areas of "significant demographic growth", and only when existing schools can no longer meet demand.

The Department of Education has ruled out the creation of a new school in North Kildare, despite mounting pressure over rapid population growth driven by housing development in the region.

Responding to Kildare North Fine Gael TD Joe Neville, the Minister for Education said there are no current plans to establish new school facilities in the area, citing a “robust forward planning process” that prioritises expansion of existing schools over new builds.

The decision comes amid growing concern from parents and local representatives that the existing education infrastructure in towns like Celbridge, Maynooth, Leixlip, and Kilcock is nearing breaking point.

Deputy Neville highlighted the need for a new school given the amount of homes being built.

However, Education Minister Helen McEntee said new schools are only approved in areas of "significant demographic growth", and only when existing schools can no longer meet demand.

She said that since 2020, €339 million has been invested in school infrastructure across Kildare, with 94 projects delivered - including new schools in Leixlip and Maynooth in 2019 and 2020.

"Given the level of existing and planned provision, my department is satisfied that the provision of a new school entity in the North Kildare area is not required at this time," the Minister for Education said.

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