Minister McEntee secures €7.55 billion in funding under National Development Plan
The Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, today announced that she would prioritise investment in special education and school places as part of €7.55 billion in funding for 2026-2030.
Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee said:
“I have set a vision to deliver a world-class education service which breaks down barriers and ensures that every child can achieve their full potential. The investment of €7.55 billion in capital funding will ensure that we can deliver new special schools, and upgrade existing ones. We will provide a record 14,000 school places in special classes and special schools. We will continue to prioritise the delivery of extra spaces in our mainstream schools through the construction of new schools and extensions. Maintenance of the school estate is also an essential element and I intend to ensure that the minor works grant is paid to schools each year. I will now develop an implementation plan which I will publish in the Autumn.”
From: Department of Education and Youth, Published 25th July 2025