Three new special education classes to open in Mayo from September

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has sanctioned three new special education classes for the 2025/26 school year.

This will add to the 72 classes currently in operation in the county.

The information has been furnished to Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh.

In response to a parliamentary question, Minister of State Michael Moynihan at the Department of Education stated: "During the planning process a number of schools may be approached to consider opening a special class in their locality.

"It is preferred that schools with existing accommodation and no existing special class are given preference in this regard.

"This allows schools to open classes more quickly and also ensures that more schools provide specialist provision providing more diverse options for parents in their local areas.

"In order to ensure resources are utilised to the maximum, additional classes are only sanctioned where there is known demand and where existing classes have been fully utilised.

"This ensures resources are allocated to classes where they required, when they are required.

"Looking forward my department and the NCSE have begun preparatory work in relation to planning for the provision of further new special class and special school places for the 2026/27 school year and beyond.

"The willingness of schools to open a special class is to be commended and these schools will be considered further for the 2026/27 school year.

"My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this coming school year and future years."