Long-promised school buildings for Dunshaughlin face further ‘inexcusable’ delays, says Meath TD
Five years after planning permission was granted, the construction of two major school projects in Dunshaughlin remains stuck in limbo.
The long-awaited buildings for Coláiste Ríoga and Dunshaughlin Community National School have been hit by further delays, with Sinn Féin TD Darren O’Rourke to describing the situation as “inexcusable.”
The Meath East deputy raised the issue in the Dáil with Education Minister Helen McEntee, who confirmed that both projects are still awaiting the completion of the tender process.
According to Mr O’Rourke, the Minister was unable to say when contracts would be signed or when construction would begin, meaning both schools “will face yet another year of pre-fab expansion and accommodation in 2026/2027.”
Mr O’Rourke said the situation was “immensely frustrating” for students, parents and teachers who have waited years for permanent facilities.
“Planning permission was granted a full five years ago, in November 2020,” he said.
“Today, in November 2025, our students and school communities are still waiting, with no builder on site and no certainty about when construction will even begin.”
“The Minister’s update in the Dáil confirms the deeply worrying situation we find ourselves in. The fact that the first and second-placed tenderers withdrew from the process speaks to a wider crisis in the management of the Department’s capital projects.”
“While the Minister claims there is ‘nothing unusual’ about this, it is clear that systemic issues are causing contractors to walk away, leading to catastrophic delays for our children’s education.”
"The consequence of this failure is stark. Both schools will require additional, temporary prefab accommodation next September because their permanent homes remain unbuilt. This is a direct result of government inaction and poor project management. It is an insult to the pupils, parents, and dedicated staff who have been patient for so long.”
Mr O’Rourke called on the Department to issue a letter of acceptance to the remaining contractor and provide “a definitive, public timeline” for the commencement and completion of these projects
“Funding is in place, but funding is useless without the competence to deliver,” he said.
“The children of Dunshaughlin cannot be left in limbo any longer. They deserve modern, permanent school facilities, and they deserve them now,” Mr O’Rourke added.