Laois candidate slams Dept. of Education for school place cutbacks

Independent candidate for Laois Elaine Mullally has hit out against the Department of Education for their decision to cut back available school places within a Laois special school.

The Department of Education have recently requested that St Francis Special School, Portlaoise reduce its class size of 19 to 16 from the coming academic year.

"Families across Laois are facing an education crisis as St. Francis School struggles to accommodate growing numbers of children with additional needs," Ms Mullally said.

"This decision comes at a time when the school already has a waiting list of 45 children for September 2025, with only 12 available places. This means more than 30 children will be left without a suitable school placement in a county already under immense pressure to provide adequate resources for children with additional needs," the candidate argued.

Pictured: The opening of the new St Francis school building, June 16 2022. 

Despite the dedication of Principal Mr. Moran and the Board of Management, who have utilised every available space to maximise student capacity, the Department recently rejected the school’s application for two temporary modular classrooms.

"This setback leaves the school and countless families in an untenable position," Ms Mullally said.

“The reduction in classrooms at St. Francis School will have a devastating impact on families in Laois,” Ms. Mullally said.

“St. Francis has always gone above and beyond to provide for children with additional needs, but this decision puts an already overstretched system under further strain. Parents are deeply worried about where their children will go to school.”

Ms. Mullally is making formal representations to the Department of Education to reverse its decision and approve the rental of two modular classrooms to help address the immediate crisis.

“Without immediate action, we are failing these children and their families. St. Francis School is a vital part of our community, and its ability to serve these children must be safeguarded,” she added.

Pictured: Independent candidate for Laois Elaine Mullally

The Portarlington mother also highlighted the broader implications for Laois.

“This isn’t just about one school – it’s about ensuring that every child in Laois has access to the education they need and deserve. The Department must step up and deliver.”

"St. Francis School is a vital educational facility in Portlaoise, serving children with additional needs across Laois. Despite limited resources, the school has consistently prioritised inclusion and quality education, making it a cornerstone of support for families in the region," Ms Mullally finished.