BREAKING: Local TD gives major update on plans for Nenagh special school

The Fianna Fáil TD for North Tipperary, Ryan O’Meara has today confirmed that the Fianna Fáil Minister for Special Education, Michael Moynihan TD has provided him with an update in relation to the new special school for Nenagh, which is set to open next September.

Last December, Deputy O’Meara confirmed that Nenagh had been selected by the then Fianna Fáil Education Minister, Norma Foley TD as the location for the new special school for Tipperary. Deputy O’Meara also clarified that the school would fall under the patronage of Tipperary ETB.

Speaking on this today, Deputy O’Meara said: “I am pleased to share the latest update that I have received from Minister Michael Moynihan TD, the Fianna Fáil Minister for Special Education, in relation to the new special school for Nenagh. There is much anticipation locally for this school, and I am sure it will come as positive news that delivery of this school is progressing thanks to the hard work of Tipperary ETB, the Department of Education, and Minister Michael Moynihan TD.”

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In response to Deputy O’Meara’s enquiries into the establishment of the new special school in Nenagh, Minister Moynihan informed Deputy O’Meara in writing that “the patron is progressing the recruitment of a school principal. The school’s admissions process is expected to commence shortly, and the school will initially enrol 12 students. This is in line with the level of need estimated by the NCSE at local level given the availability of places across other special schools in the region.”Deputy O’Meara continued, saying: “The existing Tipperary ETB owned property on Church Road will be re-purposed to facilitate the opening of the new special school.

“As I stated previously, it became very clear during the General Election campaign that access to services and education for children with additional needs is a major issue in our society and an issue that this Government must seriously address. I raised my concerns publicly at the time and remain committed to securing the services required to build an Ireland for All, and in my view that means an Ireland for all children, regardless of their ability or additional requirements.

“I would like to thank Minister Moynihan and his team for their work on this to date and for working closely with me on this project. The Minister visited Nenagh recently with me to visit the CBS primary and secondary schools, which will also be opening special classes next September. We will continue to work to deliver in the area of education and special education.”