Eight local schools are among 168 nationally to get new special educational classrooms.
Three are in Carlow at Coláiste Aindriú, Bagenalstown, Grange NS and Tullow Community School.
While Kilkenny’s are at Bennettsbridge NS, Gaelscoil Osraí and St. Kieran’s College with Presentation Primary School and CBS Kilkenny set to get two rooms each.
Aim is to ensure those with additional needs can access appropriate supports within their own communities according to ministers Hildegarde Naughton and Michael Moynihan who made the announcement, with support from all party representatives.
Minister of State and Carlow Kilkenny TD Jennifer Murnane O’Connor says; “The new classes are very welcome in each school but I know more needs to be done. I will continue to support special education provision in our community.”
Leas Ceann Comhairle and local Fianna Fáil Deputy John McGuinness says “These additional classes will make a real and positive difference by ensuring that more children can access the supports they need in local schools.”
He adds; “In 2026, over €3 billion will be spent supporting students with additional needs, including the recruitment of more than 860 additional special education teachers and over 1,700 additional special needs assistants. This level of investment underlines a clear commitment to inclusion and to supporting children, families and schools.”
Their fellow FF representative for our constituency Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere says; “These additional resources will have enormous benefits for students, teachers, and parents. Everybody is entitled to an education, and in Fianna Fáil we are committed to giving every child throughout the country an equal opportunity at education.”
Fine Gael’s Catherine Callaghan notes; “These classes are more than welcome, though I will continue to push for local supports to ensure all of our children have access to a robust education”.
