Call for dedicated special school in Waterford town to tackle ongoing capacity issues
Waterford TD Conor McGuinness called for increased special school capacity in Tramore and Dungarvan
A call has been made for a dedicated special school to be established in a County Waterford town to tackle ongoing capacity issues.
Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness made the comments after submitting a number of Parliamentary Questions on the issue.
Deputy McGuinness called for a clear plan to deliver additional special school capacity across Waterford, including the provision of a new school to serve Tramore.
Deputy McGuinness said: “Waterford is served by two special schools: St Joseph’s Special School in Waterford city and St John’s Special School in Dungarvan.
“Both provide an excellent education tailored to the needs of their pupils. I want to recognise the dedication of their staff, leadership teams and wider school communities.
“However, we need additional capacity to meet growing demand. I have called for a dedicated special school in Tramore, while also highlighting the need for more places across the county.”
He also called for additional special school places to be made available in the west of the county.
“St John’s in Dungarvan serves a very wide catchment area, including West Waterford, much of East Cork and parts of South Tipperary.
“With existing capacity stretched, we need to plan for additional provision to serve these communities.
“The Minister has confirmed that Waterford’s needs will continue to be monitored. But families need more than monitoring.
“They need certainty that appropriate school places will be available for their children.”
Deputy McGuinness said he has been campaigning for increased capacity and access to special education alongside fellow Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane.
He concluded by saying that he will continue to press for additional capacity to meet the needs of children and families across Waterford and the surrounding areas.