Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
97. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the cost of the temporary special school in Castleblayney, County Monaghan to date; the additional cost of the temporary portacabins; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4634/26]
View answer98. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a site has been located for a permanent special school in Castleblayney, County Monaghan; if proposed sites have been considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4635/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98 together.
The State owned property in Castleblaney has been repurposed to a high standard and this has facilitated the opening of Monaghan Community Special School for the 2025/26 school year.
The project is being delivered under my Department’s SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. The programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects. This is a collaborative process between the Project Manager, School Authority and the Department. The Project Manager is currently overseeing delivery of the residual elements to ensure the successful completion of the project. The cost of the project will be known when the project is fully completed and the final account has been furnished to the Department.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for children with special educational needs. My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
The school is now at capacity and additional accommodation is required to facilitate further enrolments. The property provides a good location for developing the school. The Department considers that additional capacity is feasible on the site and can be provided in a timely manner through the provision of modular accommodation. The Department, together with Cavan Monaghan ETB will continue to work closely together to bring this project to fruition.
