A major extension has been approved for Scoil Gharbháin in Dungarvan.

The project will provide four new mainstream classrooms, two special educational needs classrooms and three additional special education tuition rooms.

The agreement was reached between the Department of Education and the school following engagement earlier this year involving Waterford TD and Minister of State John Cummins, Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton and representatives from Scoil Gharbháin, including principal Sinéad Uí Ruairc.

The Department of Education recently completed a review of the school’s confirmed enrolment for September 2026 and future enrolment projections.

Further engagement also took place in the context of the National Development Plan and the provision of Irish-medium education in the area.

The project brief has now been formally accepted by Scoil Gharbháin’s Board of Management.

It will next be transferred to the Department of Education’s modular delivery unit before progressing to full design and construction, subject to planning permission.

Mr. Cummins described the approval as positive news for both the school and the wider Dungarvan and West Waterford area.

He said a series of meetings had taken place earlier this year, with all parties agreeing to work together to progress the development.

Mr. Cummins also thanked Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton for her engagement on the school’s accommodation needs, as well as the school principal, staff, Board of Management and parents for their work on the project.