12 new special classrooms announced for schools across Mayo

Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has welcomed the sanctioning of 12 new special classrooms for Mayo schools.

Minister Dillon received confirmation today from the Department of Education that six further special education classes have been approved for the 2026/27 school year.

Minister Dillon said: “I am delighted to receive confirmation from my colleague, Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton, that six new special classes have now been approved for Mayo in the second tranche for the new school year, adding to the six general classroom accommodation approvals already secured for schools across the county. This represents a significant investment in Mayo’s school infrastructure and further strengthens our capacity to support children with additional needs.”

The six new schools who will receive additional classrooms are: Ballinrobe Community School; Scoil Muire agus Pádraig, Swinford; Coláiste Mhuire, Tourmakeady; Rice College, Westport; Scoil Phádraig, Westport; and Claremorris National School.

A total of seven secondary schools and five primary schools across Mayo will now have new special classes from September 2026.

Minister Dillon added:

“Nationally, 263 new special classes have been sanctioned for the 2026/27 school year. Further classes will be confirmed as engagement between the NCSE, and school patron bodies continues.”