Nolan criticises delays on massive Edenderry school project

Independent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan has said that her recent parliamentary question to the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegard Naughton, on the status of the long awaited new secondary school for Oaklands Community College in Edenderry confirms what parents, students and staff have feared; that progress remains painfully slow despite repeated assurances and years of planning and negotiation.

Deputy Nolan said the Minister’s reply, which states that the project is still undergoing a “detailed technical and cost review” under the Public Spending Code, offers no firm timeline for when the school will finally proceed to tender, construction, or completion.

“This is a project that has been spoken about for years now,” she said.

The project was granted planning permission in August 2024 and tenders were invited for the construction of the school in January 2025.

The new school is envisaged to cater for some 1,000 pupils.

“In early 2025, the public was again informed that work on the €38 million development could begin that year. Yet here we are in mid 2026, and the Minister is still unable to provide a clear, definitive schedule for delivery,” Deputy Nolan said.

Deputy Nolan said that while she acknowledges the scale of national investment outlined by the Minister, including €7.55 billion allocated under the 2026–2030 National Development Plan, such figures mean little to communities who continue to wait year after year for essential infrastructure:

“The people of Edenderry are tired of hearing about national allocations and strategic frameworks. What they want and what they deserve is a straight answer on when this school will be built. The Minister’s reply confirms that the project is still stuck in review, with no commitment on when it will move to completion. That is simply not good enough.”

“This is yet another example of a system that is long on promises and short on delivery. Edenderry families and school management have been extraordinarily patient, but that patience is now virtually exhausted. I will continue to press the Minister and LOETB until a clear, time bound plan is published and adhered to,” concluded Deputy Nolan.