Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton T.D., officially opens the permanent school building for Rush and Lusk Educate Together NS
On Friday, 19 June 2026, Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton T.D. officially opened the permanent school building for Rush and Lusk Educate Together National School (ETNS), marking the culmination of a 23-year journey that began with a small group of determined parents.
Speaking at the event, Minister Naughton praised the school’s principal, board of management, staff and pupils for their success in building a strong and welcoming school community.
Commenting on the occasion Dr. Emer Nowlan, CEO of Educate Together, said:
“This building is magnificent – its bright and open spaces are perfectly suited to our collaborative, equality-based ethos. But what truly stands out today is the community that has held this school together through temporary accommodation, countless moves, and years of uncertainty. The parents who campaigned for an inclusive education; the pioneering students and families who took a leap of faith; the founding principal Marie, her successor Trish, and now Noel – all have shown extraordinary commitment. I warmly congratulate every staff member, every volunteer, every parent and, most of all, every student who has worked so hard to make this school the thriving, inclusive place it is today.”
Noel Reilly, Principal of Rush and Lusk ETNS, said:
“The official opening of our new school marks a significant milestone in the life of our community and a renewed commitment to inclusive, future-focused education. As a proud Changemaker School, we believe that schools are places where young people learn not only about difference, but with difference, developing the empathy, understanding and leadership skills needed to shape a better society. Today, we celebrate not only a new school building, but a renewed vision for the future – one where wellbeing, belonging and excellence are at the heart of everything we do.”
From just 24 pupils and two teachers in 2003 to more than 400 students today, Rush and Lusk ETNS is a testament to a welcoming, committed and resilient school community.
The school extended thanks to the Department of Education and Youth, van Dijk Architects, Martin Peters Associates, and Ganson Building and Civil Engineering Contractors for delivering the impressive three storey, 16 mainstream classroom facility with a state-of-the-art autism classroom area (two classes), multi-purpose hall and library facility. Special mention was also made of the students, staff and parents who have filled the building with wonderful artwork and made it feel like a true home.
The school operates under Educate Together’s four core principles: equality-based, co-educational, child-centred and democratically-run. The official ceremony included a ribbon-cutting and the Garda Band. It was attended by current and former staff, parents, board members and educational stakeholders (NCSE, NEPS, DCU Changemaker, local Educate Together principals and school leaders from the local community).