(Ireland) Portlaoise: Despite new SPED class, "demand continues to exceed available classroom capacity"
The approval of a new special education class for a Portlaoise secondary school has been welcomed locally, though concerns remain about the wider need for additional facilities for children with special educational needs across the county.
Fianna Fáil TD Seán Fleming confirmed that a new inclusive special class has been sanctioned for St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise for the 2026/27 school year.
The class will support students with additional needs by allowing them to divide their time between mainstream lessons and targeted support in a specialised setting. It will be resourced with 1.5 teaching posts, two Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), enhanced funding, and a €30,000 grant for equipment and any necessary minor building works.
Deputy Fleming said he looked forward to seeing the class in place by September 2026, describing it as a positive step in supporting inclusive education locally.
However, Independent TD Brian Stanley has warned that while new classes are welcome, they must be matched with adequate physical infrastructure.
Speaking in the Dáil, he said there are currently 2,302 children under the age of 14 in Laois with special needs or disabilities, highlighting the scale of demand for appropriate educational supports.
“While additional special needs classes are being announced, extra accommodation is required for them,” he said, calling on the Government to invest in classroom space across the county.
Deputy Stanley pointed to ongoing pressures in a number of schools, including St Francis Special School Portlaoise, where demand continues to exceed available classroom capacity. He also referenced Saplings School Graiguecullen, raising concerns about a lack of departmental involvement despite the school’s public role.
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