SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR MONAGHAN TO BE ESTABLISHED NEXT YEAR, MINISTERS CONFIRM

Monaghan is to be the location for one of five new special schools to be established next year to cater for the increasing number of students with special educational needs, Minister for Education Norma Foley TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion Hildegarde Naughton TD confirmed on Friday last, October 18. The news represents a positive outcome for the intensive campaign for a Monaghan provision waged by the SNAP or Special Needs Active Parents lobby group and supported by national and local political representatives.

“The schools will cater for children and young people with complex special education needs up to 18 years of age,” Minister Foley stated. “They are being sanctioned as early as possible as part of advanced forward planning for the next school year 2025/2026 to ensure that appropriate placements are available where needed to meet the needs of students with special educational needs. “I know there has been a strong demand in Monaghan in particular for the county’s first special school. I have met with parents and groups in Monaghan on a number of occasions and given them a commitment that this would be resolved before the end of the year. I am delighted that this has now been achieved.

“Budget 2025 dedicates in excess of €2.9 billion to providing supports for children with special educational needs. Throughout Ireland, the number of special education placements continues to grow year on year ensuring that children and young people have access to school places which are appropriate to their needs. This announcement reflects the very strong emphasis on forward planning and roll-out of provision for children and young people with special educational needs.” Minister Foley praised school communities for demonstrating “a real…