'Great' news as Longford national school to gain new special class allocations

There has been a positive reaction to the announcement that Gaelscoil Longfoirt has been allocated an autism spectrum disorder early intervention class.

The Longford town national school, which has over 200 students, will have an extra special class available for pupils from next September.

It is one of 45 new special classes being opened up nationwide.

The Department of Education said the move will bring the total number of special classes nationwide with further approvals expected over the coming weeks.

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Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Uruemu Adejinmi said it is 'great news' and it is 'very welcome'.

"It's needed in the community and it's very welcome to have that in situ. It will mean more children and families that need that support can get it in the community.

"Children have an opportunity to attend the same school as their siblings and it takes away having to commute long distances to avail of the special need classes.

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"Any intervention is so important so I welcome the additional allocation in Longford for families who need them.

"And importantly what I would also like to see are the wrap-around-supports also being available immediately when these classes are commissioned so we don't have another waiting period to allocate additional resources and supports.

"So, whilst I welcome it I would be calling for the additional supports to be made available as quickly as possible."