“Senseless Setback” to Kilkenny School Campus Project - principals to meet Taoiseach

Leas Ceann Comhairle and Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow–Kilkenny, John McGuinness, has voiced his deep concern and anger at what he has described as a “senseless and deeply damaging setback” following the failure to include the long-promised Kilkenny City school campus in the recently published Sectoral Investment Plan for Education and Youth.

Deputy McGuinness said the omission of the Kilkenny Education Campus – comprising Kilkenny City Vocational School and Coláiste Pobail Osraí – represents a serious breach of commitments given to students, parents, staff and the wider Kilkenny community over many years.

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“This project was first promised in 2008. In 2015, a clear commitment was given to deliver two new schools. In January 2025, an official letter of intent was issued, enabling works were green-lighted, and €3.5 million of public money has already been spent. To now exclude this project at such an advanced stage is unacceptable and indefensible,” Deputy McGuinness said.

The project has progressed to Stage 2B, with an estimated value of €50 million. Architects have been appointed, enabling works on the new site have been completed, and both schools are at full capacity. The next stage – tender and construction – is ready to proceed.

“Kilkenny City Vocational School is the only DEIS post-primary school in Kilkenny City and has an exemplary inspection record. Coláiste Pobail Osraí is the only Irish-medium post-primary school in the city and county. Both are non-denominational and co-educational. Their current facilities are simply not fit for purpose – with no outdoor recreational space, no sports facilities and no PE facilities. This is not good enough in 2026,” he said.

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Deputy McGuinness confirmed that he and Cllr. Deirdre Cullen had handed a letter from a very concerned Kathy McSorley, Principal of Kilkenny City Vocational School on Monday, has spoken directly to both the Taoiseach and the Minister for Education and that the Taoiseach has agreed to meet the school stakeholders.

“I now expect that meeting to take place without delay. The Taoiseach will meet Kathy McSorley, Principal of Kilkenny City Vocational School; Cathnia Ó Muircheartaigh, Principal of Coláiste Pobail Osraí; and Deirdre Cullen, Chair of the Board of Management. These school leaders have worked in good faith with the Department for over a decade. They deserve answers.”

He added: “Significant funding was allocated to this project and millions have already been spent. The project cannot simply be stalled and left as a derelict construction site. Where has the allocated funding gone? This question must be answered.”

Deputy McGuinness said he will not tolerate any back-tracking by Government.

“We are failing some of the most vulnerable and marginalised students in Kilkenny City by allowing this to drift. This decision must be reversed. I will continue to pursue this matter relentlessly until these schools get the buildings they were promised and deserve.”