(Ireland) Limerick: Principal decries lack of support; "growing number of pupils with special learning needs"

Sept 3, 2025, Kildare Nationalist: Limerick school principal raises concerns over 'inadequate' special education teacher resources

A principal of a Limerick school, said to be located in the “most deprived” area of Ireland, has said that a “grossly inadequate” allocation of special education teachers (SETs) will have “significant repercussions” for the school’s growing number of pupils with special learning needs.

Eoghan O’Byrne, Principal, St Mary’s National School, Bishop Street, Limerick City, said he was “flummoxed” by the 4.6 SET allocation, which he said translates as one SET for every 33.9 pupils at the school. The Limerick principal claimed that “the ratio in every other DEIS school in Limerick City is in the low to mid-20s”.

“Our allocation in 2021/2022 equated to a ratio of 25.3 pupils per SET teacher, but in September 2025, this equates to a staggering 33.9 pupils per SET,” Mr O’Byrne said.

The present allocation of SET at St Mary’s includes an increase of 14.5 hours per week on last year’s allocation.

Mr O’Byrne said this was “grossly inadequate”, given, he said, that the school has experienced a 76 per cent increase in the pupil population to 154 pupils over the past four years: “Our fear is that we have become victims of our own success.”

“It will have significant repercussions on the school’s ability to support its diverse student body, especially those with special educational needs,” Mr O’Byrne said.

“It will strain the school’s capacity to deliver individualised instruction, which is critical for students with learning disabilities or additional needs,” he added.

“Mainstream teachers who are already managing larger class sizes may lack the time or specialised training to address complex needs, leading to reduced instructional intensity and potential gaps in academic progress,” Mr O’Byrne warned.

“For St Mary’s NS, this could undermine its inclusive ethos, hinder parental trust, and challenge its ability to maintain high standards amidst rapid growth,” he said.

“Without additional SET resources, the school risks failing to meet the diverse needs of its expanded population, potentially compromising its reputation as a beacon of quality education in Limerick City.”

Mr O’Byrne said he hoped the Government would not “ignore and fail to deliver for the most disadvantaged community in the country”. . . .