Kinsale Community School welcomes Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton

Kinsale Community School was delighted to welcome Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton on the morning of Friday, 6th November 2026, as part of her visit to schools in Kinsale. First-year students greeted the Minister and Senator Noel O’Donovan on their arrival, and the Minister met with students and staff during her visit. 

In welcoming Minister Naughton, Principal Mr Fergal McCarthy spoke of the culture of inclusion and ambition that has shaped Kinsale Community School since it opened its doors in 1996. As the school marks its 30th anniversary, he paid tribute to the staff, past and present, whose commitment has helped build a school community where students are supported to take part in school life and encouraged to aim high. 

Originally built to accommodate 460 students, Kinsale Community School now serves almost 1,500. Mr McCarthy asked the Minister to lend her support to advancing the school’s €23 million extension, following the turning of the sod by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin in early September 2026. 

The extension will provide additional capacity, expanded science facilities and specialist rooms for students with additional educational needs. It will also include a Digital Research Hub to support collaborative learning and innovative teaching. 

Principal, Mr McCarthy said he was delighted to welcome the Minister and saw her visit as recognition of the work taking place across the school. He welcomed the opportunity to discuss how completing the extension would strengthen the school’s ability to serve its students and the wider Kinsale community for years to come.