New special school to be located in Limerick

A NEW special school is to be located at Mungret Community College, the Department of Education has confirmed.

Mungret Community College will be moving to a new campus which is at an advanced stage of construction in September 2024.

The Department of Education and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board are progressing the preparations for the reconfiguration of the new special school. This new special school is under the patronage of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.

Limerick TD, Willie O'Dea says he was informed of the location of the new special school by the Minister for Education, Norma Foley.

“The Minister has confirmed to me that the new Special school will be located at Mungret Community College and will start in September with an enrollment of 24 pupils, eventually growing to a capacity of 130 pupils,” Me O’Dea said.

“Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board were selected by the Department of Education to open a new special school catering for children with a moderate general learning disability and complex needs up to eighteen years of age, with an initial focus on those children who do not yet have an offer of a special school place for September 2024.

“This is wonderful news for pupils in Limerick with autism and complex needs. I have been making ongoing representations to have more classes and better facilities for special needs children and I am delighted that there is agreement to deliver this Special School in Limerick. Well done to all involved in bringing this fantastic project to this stage of development,” he added.

Minister Foley commented:

“I am delighted to confirm the locations of the two new special schools in Limerick and Kildare. This is a further sign of this government’s commitment to delivering an inclusive education system that is inclusive, open and welcoming to everyone.

“Budget 2024 dedicates in excess of €2.7 billion to providing supports for children with special educational needs. There are now more than 3,000 special classes in operation, with around two-thirds of them being set up during this government’s term in office.

“Our school communities have demonstrated a real commitment to inclusion. I would like to thank those involved in supporting the continued establishment of special classes and special schools,” she added.