INTERIM SPECIAL SCHOOL OPENS IN CASTLEBLAYNEY – BUT “REAL CAMPAIGN” ONLY BEGINNING SAYS DEPUTY CARTHY

The new interim special school for children with complex needs opened its doors for the first time in Castleblayney this week. “A very welcome step in the journey towards a new permanent special school for Monaghan, ” was the reaction of Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher. Sinn Féin Dáil Deputy Matt Carthy also welcomed the coming into operation of the temporary facility but stressed the need to accelerate the campaign for the development of a permanent facility, a requirement also acknowledged by Senator Gallagher.

The Fianna Fáil Senator wished the children attending the school and their families every success, commending the school principal and staff, and everyone involved, for their hard work in preparation for this week’s opening. “The campaign has been going on for a long time and this is a positive development, ” Senator Gallagher told the Northern Standard. “The school is an interim facility, with plans in place to seek a site within Monaghan that could accommodate a new build. I look forward to seeing further developments in this journey.

” Senator Gallagher said that there will never be enough facilities for children with complex learning needs. “It’s great to see, I’m delighted the facility is open. The campaign has been too long for many families but for the families who have children attending, it’s a very positive news story. “The plan is to seek a site somewhere in the county that could accommodate a new build, that will cater for all the needs of all the children with special needs in Co Monaghan, who wish to attend the school. “I would like to thank Minister Norma Foley who announced this development last October along with another five new special schools bringing the number of new special schools…