Families in this Kildare town have been left without a new special class

Families in one County Kildare have been left without a single new special class for the 2026 to 2027 school year.

That's according to Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender, who today (January 15) highlighted the lack of a new classroom for Newbridge.

Specifically, Cllr Pender pointed out that the full list of newly sanctioned special classes for Kildare has now been published.

It confirmed that six new primary special classes across the county. However, none are located in Newbridge.

According to Cllr Pender, the absence "confirms what families in Newbridge feared all along".

He added: "Not one new special class has been approved for the town.

Cllr Pender also claimed: "For weeks, announcements were drip-fed in small batches, and during that time, government representatives for Newbridge stayed silent.

"Now we can see why; when the full picture emerged, Newbridge had been left out entirely."

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He continued: "This is not a small oversight; Newbridge is one of the largest and fastest growing towns in Kildare.

"Demand for special classes here is well known and well documented. The Department has the data; this did not come as a surprise.

Cllr Pender further said: "Parents still do not know where their child will attend school in September.

"Schools cannot plan staff, space, or supports, and children are facing uncertainty that should never exist in a system that claims to put their needs first."

FAMILIES ENGAGED 'IN GOOD FAITH'

"Families engaged with the process in good faith... they waited, they followed procedures, and they were told to be patient.

"Meanwhile, decisions were made elsewhere and announced bit by bit, masking the reality on the ground."

He also asserted: "Special education cannot be treated as an afterthought; it requires early planning, transparency, and political leadership.

"Silence from government representatives does nothing for families who are crying out for certainty."

Cllr Pender concluded by saying that Newbridge families deserve "clear answers" and "immediate action".

"I will continue to raise this issue until Newbridge gets the special class provision it clearly needs," Cllr Pender concluded.

The Department of Education has been asked for comment in relation to Cllr Pender's views.

Cllr Chris Pender made headlines last week when he voiced his disapproval over drink-driving comments that were made by the leader of Independent Ireland, Michael Collins TD.

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File photograph

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