Portlaoise's Kolbe School to be discussed in the Dail

The plight of Kolbe Special School is to be discussed in the Dail ahead of an upcoming public meeting in Portlaoise. 

Laois TDs Charlie Flanagan and Brian Stanley have secured Dail speaking time to discuss the need to progress the Portlaoise school. 

Staff, parents and students at the school were informed that a planned new school building was being put on hold due to budgetary concerns earlier this month. 

The school, which caters for 43 students with complex needs, had been expected to be delivered by the end of 2024. Approval had been secured and preliminary works were underway prior to the shock announcement. 

Laois councillors threaten Dáil protest over 'mind boggling' halt to Special School build in Portlaoise

The existing Kolbe School operates out of an unsuitable primarily prefabricated premises in the town. The building doesn’t have the necessary space or facilities to properly look after the complex needs of the students who are some of the most vulnerable children in Laois. 

Pictured above an image of the conditions being endured at Kolbe

The government’s decision to put the school building on hold was met with shock, condemnation and anger. 

Pictured above another image from inside Kolbe Special School

Deputy Flanagan said he is confident that outstanding issues around the delivery of the new school can be resolved.

A public meeting has been called and is due to take place in St Mary’s Hall in Portlaoise this Wednesday, March 22 at 7.30pm.