Longford schools under pressure due to the absence of special schools in Leitrim
The lack of support for students with additional needs in surrounding counties has resulted in high pressure for Longford schools
The absence of a special school in county Leitrim is putting additional and major pressure on county Longford, a Longford Oireachtas member has warned.
Fianna Fáil Senator Joe Flaherty spoke about the challenging situation in the Seanad in recent days as he welcomed Minister of State for Special Education, Michael Moynihan to the Upper House.
The Lanesboro native praised St. Christopher's special school in Longford, which he described as a "champion in the delivery of special education" and one of the new special education schools delivered in the lifetime of the previous Government.
Senator Flaherty stated he has mentioned to Junior Minister Moynihan many times and that St. Christopher's in Longford has made to him many times, which is the absence of a special school in County Leitrim.
"This is putting additional and major pressure on Longford, Sligo and the adjoining counties because people from Leitrim have no option but to try to access services in those counties," he said.
"I do not expect the Minister of State to have this in place by this September but I would be happy with September 2026, if the Minister of State wants to make a mental note of that."
Senator Flaherty stated he is adamant if they had provision in Leitrim to "deliver that service it would ease the bottlenecks, particularly in terms of those five additional places in St. Christopher's this year".
He thanked Junior Minister Moynihan for coming in and he wished him well in the role.
"I have great hopes and expectations and I know that he will bring the passion that has defined his political career to date to this area," he added.
Senator Flaherty also referred to how St. Christopher's special school was one of the new special education schools delivered in the lifetime of the previous Government.
"In terms of its current autism classes, I know of one young boy, born in 2012, who is third on the waiting list for a place in September and for a younger autism class, there is another young boy who is one of two on the waiting list.
"Realistically, if these guys get a recommendation from the NCSE (The National Council for Special Education) that they need a place in a special education setting, we cannot turn around and place them back in an autism class in a regular school.
"They need the additional supports that they will get at St. Christopher's," he added.
Junior Minister Moynihan acknowledged that the lack of a special school in county Leitrim was an issue.
Senator Flaherty said he understood it was not a quick fix and there is an acceptance the situation will not be resolved by September 2025.
However, he said he is pleased it is now on the 'Government's radar'.
"It is an issue and a number of special schools have been rolled out this year including in county Monaghan where there wasn't a special school before.
"There is a deficiency in Leitrim and it does need to be addressed," he concluded.