(Ireland) Cavan: School to add autism class; 6 students, 3 staff; 'demand...has risen'

May 29, 2025, Anglo Celt: New Autism Class for Carrigabruise NS

Carrigabruise NS was the first of five Cavan schools visited by the Minister for Special Education, Michael Moynihan, last Friday, May 23.

Principal Úna Keogan-McDonnell and her staff showed the Minister the premises where 114 students are educated by 12 teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs). On his tour, the Minister heard of the financial day-to-day struggle rural school communities face, as well through a private group meeting with principals later.

In east Cavan, focus lay on the area where the new Autism Class will open in September for the new school year, which, to date, has benefitted from State investment of €30,000 [$34,000]. The principal didn't hold back when addressing the matters on hand: “We are very grateful for the funding for the autism class, but we have been applying for 15 years,” she said. . . .

The new Autism Class will be offering six students from age five to 12 years a safe, appropriate space with two additional SNAs and one teacher.

A strip of the school yard will be resurfaced with direct, easy access to their allocated room.

The school community is "very proud" of this new addition to the school, said Ms Keogan-McDonnell, in terms of becoming more inclusive.

“I can see there is great will here,” said Minister Moynihan of the “gleaming school”.

Deputy Principal Ashling Bates said all the staff had an interest in the development and in acquiring a new skillset to meet the needs of the pupils.

“The demand for children with special needs has risen; there is a lot of work to be done”, acknowledged the Minister. “Some people wouldn’t feel confident offering this to students; they need special training, it is a pile of work.” . . .