Two additional Laois schools have been granted permission to open new ASD special classrooms, bringing the total this month to six.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live can confirm that five primary schools and one post-primary school will have new or additional special classes in the 2026/2027 academic year.

With six places per special class, these classes will provide 36 new places for students with additional needs in Laois, amidst a current crisis for school places. 

Gaelscoil Phort Laoise has been earmarked for a brand new ASD class, along with Scoil Bhríde Clonaslee. Both primary schools will see six new places made available per class.

Portarlington will see the creation of 12 new places across two primary schools, with Presentation Primary School in Portarlington and Scoil Phadraig both granted permission to open new special classes.

Our Ladys Meadow National School in Durrow has also been granted permission for a new special class. In 2024, the Durrow primary school was granted planning permission to construct two special educational needs classrooms.

Secondary school Heywood CS in Ballinakill has also received permission to establish an additional special class for students.

At primary level, a school is allocated one teacher and two special needs assistants for each new special class. At post-primary level, 1.5 teaching posts and two special needs assistants are provided.

Laois Fianna Fáíl TD Seán Fleming welcomed this news.

"I want to compliment the schools’ management and staff and all those involved in progressing these projects to this stage," Deputy Fleming told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"Education and special education is a priority for Fianna Fáil in Government. Providing new additional classes and learning places for children with special needs is very important.

"I look forward to these new special classes and the new students being in place for the next school year," Deputy Fleming said.

Fine Gael Deputy Willie Aird also welcomed the news of this announcement. 

“This is very welcome news for students, teachers and parents right across Laois. This is an important step in ensuring that children with additional needs can continue to learn and thrive in an inclusive setting in their school. The schools in question are Scoil Bhride, Clonaslee and Gaelscoil Phort Laoise," Deputy Aird said.

“The provision of these additional special education classes will have a hugely positive impact on children with special educational needs and their families here in Laois.

“I’m delighted to see that two schools in Laois will now have an additional class for 2026/27. This announcement will provide clarity for parents and schools alike and ensure planning can begin for the setting up of these classes," he said.

“The Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton and Fine Gael are committed to inclusive education and ensuring every child with special educational needs receives the support they deserve,” Deputy Aird finished.

Read Next: School zone signage needed in Laois village following accidents

While this announcement marks the creation of new classes, it does not mean the creation of new classrooms. Schools will either accommodate these classes using existing classrooms, or use temporary measures such as prefabs until space can be made.

In March 2025, nine Laois schools were granted permission for new special classes. Laois principals told the Leinster Express / Laois Live of their struggles to source suitable accommodations in time for the academic year to start.

Read more here.