May 23, 2022, Westmeath Independent: Call for action on shortage of autism units in local secondary schools https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2022/05/23/call-for-action-on-absence-of-autism-units-in-local-secondary-schools/
The shortage of autism units in the post-primary sector in the Athlone area needs to be urgently addressed, according to Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Frankie Keena.
He is calling on Athlone-based secondary schools to take immediate action and provide a unit on their campus.
“The fact that there are presently eight students on the waiting list for such places in the Athlone area is unacceptable and therefore it is incumbent on all the Athlone- based secondary schools to take immediate action and provide a unit in their campus.
"If schools are unsure of the ongoing demand it is very easy to do a needs analysis by linking with the various primary schools who have autism units,” he remarked this week….
Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council Cllr Frankie Keena.