(Ireland) Co Tipp: New special school to open in Sept.

April 19, 2025, Guardian: New special school for Nenagh and hot meals for all primary schools in Tipp 

https://www.nenaghguardian.ie/2025/04/19/new-special-school-for-nenagh-and-hot-meals-for-all-primary-schools-in-tipp/ 

Significant plans in the education sector in County Tipperary that involve the creation of  a new school in Nenagh to cater for children with special needs, and the introduction of hot meals for pupils in all primary schools, have been announced by Fianna Fáil TD, Ryan O’Meara. . . .

Meanwhile, the new Nenagh Special School is to be located on Church Road in the town.

The Fianna Fáil TD revealed that Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB) is to repurpose an existing building to create the new school. . . .

Deputy O’Meara said the special school is due to open in September.

The announcement follows confirmation by the Fianna Fáil TD four months ago that Nenagh had been selected by the then Education Minister, Norma Foley, as the location for the new special school for Tipperary. . . .

The ETB says such schools give equal opportunities to all children in the communities they serve, and strive to provide high quality education through respectful, positive, supportive and responsive learning environments. Deputy O’Meara indicated that many parents were looking forward to the creation of a special school in the town: “There is much anticipation locally for this school, and I am sure it will come as positive news that delivery of this school is progressing, thanks to the hard work of Tipperary ETB, the Department of Education, and Minister Michael Moynihan.”. . .

The minister added: “The school’s admissions process is expected to commence shortly, and the school will initially enrol 12 students.

“This is in line with the level of need estimated by the NCSE at local level given the availability of places across other special schools in the region”.

Deputy O’Meara continued: “The existing Tipperary ETB owned property on Church Road will be re-purposed to facilitate the opening of the new special school.

“As I stated previously, it became very clear during the General Election campaign that access to services and education for children with additional needs is a major issue in our society and an issue that this Government must seriously address. I raised my concerns publicly at the time and remain committed to securing the services required to build an Ireland for All, and in my view that means an Ireland for all children, regardless of their ability or additional requirements. . . .