Ministers Foley and Naughton announce two new special school buildings in Dublin going to tender

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD and Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Hildegarde Naughton TD have today (Thursday) announced that two new special school buildings for Dublin are now progressing to tender stage.

New schools will be built to accommodate the pupils and students of St. Michael’s House Special School in Skerries and Scoil Chiaráin Special School in Glasnevin. The works will see the replacement of existing buildings which are outdated.

The projects will enhance purpose-built accommodation capacity in Dublin for children and young people with special educational needs aged from 4 to 18. The new school buildings will each include rooms for art, home economics/living skills and woodwork, as well as a library, a GP room, a dedicated dining space, a sensory room, dedicated therapy rooms and ancillary accommodation.

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD said:

“It gives me great pleasure as Minister for Education to today announce that two new special schools for children and young people with special educational needs in Dublin are now going to tender stage. This is a further sign of this government’s commitment to delivering an education system that is inclusive, open and welcoming to everyone. Our school communities have demonstrated a real commitment to inclusion and supporting every child and young person to realise their potential. The delivery of these purpose-built projects will transform the teaching and learning environments at these schools and broaden the opportunities they can offer to pupils, students and families. I would like to thank St. Michael’s House Special School in Skerries and Scoil Chiaráin Special School in Glasnevin and everyone involved in achieving this milestone for special education. I look forward to these projects and other projects in special education developing at pace.”

Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Hildegarde Naughton TD said:

“As Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, I’m pleased that we are in a position to today announce two new special schools are going to tender in Dublin. It’s vital that our education system provides school placements that meet the individual needs of all students and special schools continue to be an important element of that provision. Budget 2024 dedicates in excess of €2.7 billion to providing supports for children with special educational needs. Today is a significant demonstration of the impact of that funding and an important day for children, young people, their families and their school communities who will benefit for years to come.“