Update issued on Ballyhaunis community school extension project

Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD, has welcomed continued progress on the significant extension planned for Ballyhaunis Community School, confirming that the project remains active within the Department of Education’s school building pipeline.

The project, which will deliver substantial new accommodation for students and staff, was approved under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). It is set to provide a two-classroom Special Education Needs (SEN) base, five general classrooms, one science laboratory with a preparation area, and one art room with an art store. 

Minister Dillon said the extension represents an important investment in education provision for East Mayo. 

“Ballyhaunis Community School is a growing and diverse school community, and this project will ensure that students have access to modern, high‑quality learning spaces.

He added that the inclusion of a new SEN base, additional classrooms, and specialist rooms reflects the school and the wider community it serves.

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The project has been progressing through the Department’s architectural and design stages. 

In Quarter 3 of 2024, the Department approved the project to the detailed design phase of the architectural process. The Department subsequently received the detailed design report in Quarter 3 of 2025. 

The Department of Education has confirmed that the detailed design phase submission is now under active review. Once this review is complete, the Department will issue further guidance to the school authority on progressing the project to the next stage of development.

Minister Dillion said this progress is welcome news for the school community and a positive step for Ballyhaunis Community School.

“ I will continue to work closely with the Department of Education to ensure this project advances as efficiently as possible. The school community deserves modern facilities that support teaching, learning, and inclusion, and this extension will play a central role in meeting those needs.”

He added that investment in school infrastructure remains a key priority for Mayo:

“Across Mayo, we are seeing strong investment in new school buildings, extensions, and modernisation projects. These improvements are vital to supporting our young people and ensuring that every student has access to the facilities they need to reach their full potential.”

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