(Ireland) Silgo: Elem school's new autism class full; 'no additional available places'

June 23, 2026, No additional places for pupils with autism at Sligo’s Our Lady of Mercy despite new class allocation | Irish Independent

Our Lady of Mercy NS, Sligo has been allocated additional class sanction by the Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton for a Primary Autism Inclusive Special Class which will see existing available accommodation repurposed.

Welcoming the announcement, school principal Olivia Flannery said, “We were delighted to receive confirmation today that we are included on the Tranche 11 list for additional class sanction for the 2026/27 school year.

“We look forward to opening our new modular classrooms in September for the three Special Classes we already have, as they have spent the past year in unsuitable accommodation.”

Ms Flannery noted that, “Today’s announcement is separate to these Special Classes for pupils with Autism. It is an Autism Inclusive Special Class which will be staffed with one teacher and one SNA and will cater for three pupils who have already been in our school for several years but for whom there is no available place in any of our current Special Classes for pupils with Autism. We will be repurposing existing available accommodation to cater for this class.”

Despite the allocation she stressed that, “It is important to inform people that there are no additional available places in this class despite today’s announcement.” . . .

Ms Flannery expressed her gratitude for the help received adding the school will continue to strive to assist students as best they can.

 “We are grateful to the NCSE (National Council for Special Education) and in particular to our SENO (Special Educational Needs Organiser), Marianna Cunningham, for liaising with us on this provision, and we look forward to continuing to meet the evolving needs of all of our pupils as best we can.”

It is important to inform readers that there are no additional available places in this class despite today’s announcement.

Welcoming the allocation, Minister of State Frank Feighan said, “This brings the total number of new special classes sanctioned for the upcoming school year to 575.

“Today’s announcement is a further expansion of supports for children and young people with special educational needs. We are committed to accelerating the delivery of additional special education facilities. . . .