LATEST: New special school for Tipperary for students with additional needs

New special school will have a transformative impact for children with additional needs in Tipperary, a Fine Gael General Election Candidate has said.

The school is 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.

Cllr Michael Murphy said: “I am thrilled to welcome the establishment of a new special school in Tipperary. This is a game-changer for families and children with special educational needs in our county, providing much-needed clarity and support well ahead of the next school year.

"Budget 2025 makes the biggest-ever commitment to students with special educational needs, and I will make sure that Tipperary families are front and centre in benefiting from this.

“The Department of Education and the NCSE are working diligently to ensure this new provision is in place as soon as possible, and I am ready to work with them to achieve this.

"Today's early announcement is crucial. It gives us ample time to not only plan admissions but also ensure we have the right staff, properly trained and ready.

“We can also complete any building works required to make sure the school is fully prepared for the 2025/26 school year.

"This new school will have a transformative impact on our community. It’s all about making sure that children and young people with additional needs in Tipperary can finally get the educational opportunities they deserve, and I am determined to see this through for the benefit of the families who need most.