(Ireland) Kerry: 3 special schools to add speech and OT on site

Sept 1, 2026, Good news for Kerry's special schools as Government announces roll-out of therapy scheme | Irish Independent

There is good news on the horizon for parents of children with disabilities in Kerry as the Government expands the roll-out of therapists to school.

Three Kerry schools have been included in the latest announcement which includes 19 schools nation-wide.

Students attending St Ita’s and St Joseph’s special school in Tralee, Nano Nagle special school in Listowel and St Francis special school in Beaufort will now have access to speech and language therapists and occupational therapists on the school premises.

In line with available therapy resources, it is envisaged that these schools will have access to therapy supports by the end of the first school term of the 2026/27 academic year.

Principal of St Francis Special School in Beaufort Colin McGillicuddy, who met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin last week, said that this is something the school had hoped for.

He said the availability of therapist supports in schools will help each child reach their potential and will complement the educational pathway at the school for children. . . .

Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Kerry TD Norma Foley has welcomed the roll-out of education therapies to three special schools in Kerry. The Education Therapy Service was introduced on a pilot basis after such therapists were removed from schools in 2020 with the view to move to more community -based schemes.

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