New Schools Announced for Maynooth, Naas, and Celbridge

“I was delighted to learn this morning of three new proposed schools for Kildare North in Maynooth, Naas and Celbridge. The provision for new second level schools in Naas and Maynooth had previously been announced, but Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn also identified Celbridge as a further area in need of a new second level school” said Kildare North TD, Anthony Lawlor.

The Minister announced today that 40 new schools nationwide need to be established in order to facilitate the growing population of school going children. The Department of Education is forecasting an increase of over 45,050 primary pupils and 24,900 post-primary pupils by the start of the 2017/18 school year. Of the 40 new schools to be built, twelve have been identified in the commuter belt around Dublin of Wicklow, Kildare, Meath and Louth.

“This decision to establish three new second level schools between 2012 and 2017 in Naas, Maynooth and Celbridge will address the current overcrowding situation experienced in many schools in the county. Kildare has experienced a significant population rise in recent years and the establishment of these three new second level schools will ease the burden both on the schools and on parents having difficulties enrolling their children. I will be supporting the Minister at all times on the progression of these projects and hope the three schools will be completed before the end of 2017” concluded Anthony Lawlor TD.