(Ireland) Laois: School to add autism class; one of 17 in Laois set to open in Sept

June 29, 2026, Laois Live: Another special ASD class to open in Laois school this September

The Department of Education has announced another new special class to open in Laois this coming September.

This new class is one of 17 additional classes set to open, which have been revealed through several announcements over the past few months.

Laois Fianna Fáil Deputy Sean Fleming TD is pleased to confirm that another new additional special class will be opening in Mountmellick in September.

Mountmellick Community School will be opening an autism inclusive special class, and will repurpose their existing available accommodation.

“This means there will be 17 new special classes opening in Laois in September 2026,” Deputy Fleming told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

The 16 other schools receiving new special classes this September includes: . . .

At primary level, a school is allocated one teacher and two special needs assistants for each new special class. At post-primary level, 1.5 teaching posts and two special needs assistants are provided.

While many principals have welcomed the permission to open additional special classes, it has been an ongoing issue where many schools have struggled to source accommodation for the classes on short notice.