Thomas Gould
Question:129. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the special school in Carraig na bfhear. [69854/25]
View answerThursday, 11 December 2025
Questions (129)
Written answers
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
Through the accelerated provision of additional special class and special school places over recent years, there are now over 30,000 students enrolled in special classes and special schools. 2,700 new places were created for the 2025/26 school year and these, together with the over 1,200 existing places due to students moving on from primary schools and post-primary schools, has meant that close to 4,000 specialist places were made available for the 2025/26 school year.
407 new special classes were sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these 54 are in County Cork, 37 at primary and 17 at post-primary level. This brings to 617 the number of special classes currently in operation in the county.
As you are aware five new special schools were established for the 2025/26 school year, two in County Dublin and one each in counties Cork, Monaghan and Tipperary. This will bring to 129 the number of NCSE supported special schools in the country, 16 of which are located in County Cork with approximately 1,061 students enrolled.
One of five new special schools for the 2025/26 school year, the school referred to by the Deputy serves the North City area of Cork City. The school has opened in interim spare accommodation in the Department owned school building, Gaelscoil de hÍde, Fermoy. The permanent location for the school will be in Carrignavar using the vacant former primary school building. This building is being repurposed to make it suitable for children with special education needs.
The NCSE as the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for children with special educational needs remains available to offer advice and support to families as required. Parents and schools can contact the NCSE directly using the details available on the NCSE's [website].
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
Question No. 130 answered with Question No. 112.