When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school (primary or post-primary), school authorities can apply to my department for capital funding to repurpose an existing space within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). ASA application forms are available on my department’s website: www.education.ie
Following assessment of an ASA application, modular accommodation may be identified as the optimal accommodation solution. Prior to considering modular accommodation for a school, the department must first be satisfied about the urgency of the requirement for additional capacity and that existing accommodation at the individual school and in the local area are being maximised.
The department’s approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate. Repurposing and optimisation of existing accommodation capacity across the school estate has been a key enabler of timely, local provision of special class capacity in a way that supports best practice in inclusion and integration. To support the delivery of special classes in good time, a new streamlined approach to funding was made available to repurpose existing accommodation for SEN in 2025. Further information on SEN repurposing supports can be accessed on www.gov.ie.
The Deputy will appreciate that the establishment of special classes by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and identifying accommodation for these classes including modular solutions is a constantly evolving process, thus the information sought by the Deputy is not available at this time.
