IN PICTURES: Portlaoise College welcomes Minister for Education

Portlaoise College welcomed the Minister for Education, Hildegard Naughton for the official opening of its new modular building and dedicated ASD classrooms on Friday, February 6.

The Minister was greeted on arrival by the school’s prefect team, creating a fitting reception for the occasion. In the foyer, students, staff, invited guests, and public representatives gathered for a series of speeches to mark the milestone. Click NEXT for more images. Read more below.

Among those present were Deputy Willy Aird, Deputy Brian Stanley and Deputy Sean Fleming, Bernadette Ryan, Chairperson of the Board of Management, Director of Schools, Linda Tynan, Pamela Nolan, Director of OSD, and CEO Joe Cunningham.

Principal Noel Daly opened proceedings, inviting the Vice-Chair of LOETB and Laois County Councillor, Catherine Fitzgerald, to formally welcome Minister Naughton. Mr Daly reflected on the school’s journey over the past two decades. The last time a Minister for Education visited the school was for its official opening in 2006. At that time, the school catered for around 150 second-level students and 300 further education learners. Today, it stands as the largest school in the county, with over 1,000 second-level students. 

“That is a measure of success,” he said, praising the dedication of past and present staff, the support of parents and students and the backing of LOETB in shaping the school’s growth. In a passionate appeal, Mr Daly urged the Minister to continue prioritising investment in education, despite national projections suggesting student numbers may soon peak. He cautioned against relying too heavily on such forecasts, noting that had similar thinking prevailed two decades ago, Portlaoise College might never have been built. “How many students without this DEIS school here would not have had the life chance of an inclusive co-education experience?” he asked, pointing to the diverse national flags displayed proudly throughout the building as a testament to the school’s inclusive ethos.

Following the speeches, the Minister officially opened the new modular building. Head Boy Oisín Grundy and Head Girl Isha Bhatt assisted her in cutting the ribbon, marking the formal launch of the extension. The Minister was then given a guard of honour by students and staff as she made her way to the ASD rooms. There, she met students and spoke with ASD Coordinator Ms Scully and her team about the supports in place and the importance of specialist provision within a mainstream setting.

The visit concluded in the Cairdeas room, where refreshments were served by the school’s canteen. Throughout the event, there was a strong sense of pride in what has been achieved and optimism about what lies ahead. Mr Daly closed his address with a forward-looking message. While celebrating the investment that has brought the school to this point, he emphasised the need to plan for the future. “Now that we are in 2026, we need to create the story that will be told in 2046, and that begins now,” he said.  Quoting Nelson Mandela, John Dewey and Benjamin Franklin, he described education as a powerful currency — one that promotes inclusion, respect and opportunity. It was a fitting sentiment for a day that celebrated not only new buildings but the continuing commitment to ensuring every student in Portlaoise College is supported to fulfil their potential.