Educate Together has welcomed the launch of the Department of Education and Youth’s investment plan for schools at an event in Powerstown Educate Together National School today. The Plan was officially launched by the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton TD, at a sod-turning ceremony marking the commencement of construction of the school’s new extension building.
Educate Together welcomes the announcement of a number of building projects going to tender in 2026 and 2027 – six Educate Together schools will receive new school buildings, one school will be extended under the additional accommodation scheme and one school will receive a modular extension. The patron body will be seeking further information in relation to schools that are not on the Department of Education and Youth’s list.
Educate Together hopes that today’s announcement will lead to accelerated progress for school communities currently operating in temporary or unsuitable accommodation. It has also raised concerns about overreliance on existing school buildings, in particular where additional space is required to facilitate inclusion.
There are currently 35 Educate Together schools in temporary accommodation, representing one third of the school network. Uncertainty and unsuitable accommodation remain a significant challengefacing many school communities, and too often inadequate facilities persist many years into a school’s lifespan.
Educate Together will continue to advocate on behalf of its school communities, working closely with the Department and other stakeholders to ensure that children and young people can learn in modern, appropriate and safe educational facilities.
Powerstown ETNS an example of inclusive school design
The extension of Powerstown ETNS is an excellent example of design for inclusion. The five-classroom, two-storey extension represents an important investment in inclusive, integrated education. It has been designed to improve fluidity between specialist and mainstream provision and ensure that children with complex and evolving needs can remain meaningfully connected to their peers and friends.
The extension will connect to the existing school at both ground and first-floor levels, supporting mobility, accessibility, and ease of movement between specialist classes, support areas and mainstream classrooms. This physical connectivity reflects the school’s broader inclusive ethos, ensuring that specialist provision functions as a bridge to inclusion rather than a barrier.
Speaking at the event, Educate Together CEO Emer Nowlan said:
“The growth of Powerstown Educate Together NS is a testament to the vision, dedication, and hard work of the principal, staff and Board of Management. We are delighted that the Department of Education and Youth is supporting that vision by funding this extension. We believe that every school should have the spaces and facilities they need to welcome and support all children in their local area, and we look forward to the positive impact this extension will have for children in this school community.”
The extension will result in a reduction in the school’s existing yard space. Educate Together is therefore calling on the Department of Education and Youth to make the adjoining green area available to the school on a permanent basis, ensuring that children continue to have access to adequate outdoor play and recreation space.
Powerstown ETNS opened with just 22 pupils in 2011. Following a period of rapid development, the school moved into its permanent building in 2016. A decade later, the school community now comprises 356 pupils, 34 teachers, and 24 additional needs assistants, 5 bus escorts, 2 secretaries and a caretaker. The sod-turning ceremony held today marks the beginning of a new phase of development for the school.
Attending the event this morning were the children and staff of Powerstown ETNS, members of the Student Council, and representatives of the wider school community, as well as representatives from Educate Together, the Minister for Education and Youth, Department officials and supporters of the school from the wider community.
The construction contract for the extension has been awarded to Sandar Construction. Works on site officially commenced on 19th of January, with construction expected to take approximately 16 months.