Marymount National School in Ballsgrove, Drogheda has received approval for a new 20 classroom school building, marking a major development for the school community.
The decision has been welcomed by Fianna Fáil Senator Alison Comyn, who has been engaging with the Department of Education in support of the project. She confirmed that the new building will include dedicated Special Educational Needs accommodation, addressing a long-standing need at the school.
Funding for the project will come from the first tranche of prioritised school developments under the National Development Plan for 2026 to 2027. The approval forms part of the Government’s €7.55 billion National Development Plan Sectoral Investment Plan for Education and Youth, which outlines major capital investment in schools nationwide.
Marymount National School was originally built in 1969 and has experienced ongoing structural and environmental difficulties, including damp conditions, poor insulation, overcrowding and limited SEN facilities. These issues have been raised repeatedly in the Seanad by Senator Comyn, who highlighted the impact on pupils and staff.
Speaking following the announcement, Senator Comyn said:
“This is a hugely important and very welcome day for Marymount, for Drogheda and for County Louth. This new school building is not just welcome — it is essential. Pupils and staff have endured unacceptable conditions for far too long, and today’s confirmation brings long-overdue certainty.”
She said the dedication of the school community had been central to securing approval.
“The teachers and staff have shown extraordinary dedication in extremely difficult circumstances. Parents have advocated tirelessly for their children. This decision recognises that reality and delivers the safe, warm and inclusive learning environment every child deserves.”
The approved development will deliver a 20 classroom school, including four dedicated SEN classrooms, providing modern facilities and increased capacity to meet the needs of a growing population in the area.
Senator Comyn also pointed to the wider scale of education investment in County Louth, noting that five school building projects are currently under construction and that 27 projects have been completed in recent years.
In addition to Marymount National School, five other Louth schools have been approved in the first tranche of National Development Plan projects. These include Drogheda Educate Together Secondary School, which will be a new 1,000 pupil post primary school with SEN provision, De La Salle College in Dundalk, which will receive an extension including SEN and mainstream classrooms, and St Vincent’s Secondary School in Dundalk, which will also be extended to include SEN, specialist and mainstream facilities along with additional amenities.
St Mary’s Special School in Drogheda has been approved for a new 17 classroom school, while St Ita’s Special School in Drogheda will be developed as a new 20 classroom facility.
“This is a very significant package of investment for Louth, with a particularly strong emphasis on special education. The expansion of capacity at both mainstream and special schools is essential to ensure every child can access an appropriate school place close to home,” Senator Comyn said.
She concluded by acknowledging the persistence of school communities across the county.
“These announcements are the result of years of advocacy by parents, staff and students. Today belongs to them.”
