(Ireland) Wexford: 258 more SPED students in 5 yrs; double the number of special classes

Sept 9, 2026, Wexford Sees Significant Increase in Special Education Supports - South East Radio

There has been a significant increase in the number of supports for children with additional educational needs in schools across County Wexford.

New figures show there are now 764 Special Needs Assistants working in Wexford schools, compared with 506 in the 2020/21 school year.

The number of Special Education Teaching Posts has also increased, from 562 five years ago to 716 today.

Meanwhile, the number of special classes in Wexford has more than doubled, rising from 61 in 2020/21 to 135 during the 2025/26 school year.

Deputy Malcolm Byrne has welcomed the figures, saying they demonstrate significant progress in supporting special education across the county.

He says while more can always be done, the increased supports are making a real difference to the educational development of children and young people.