'Overdue' construction of unfinished Laois special needs school welcomed by many

The news that works are to recommence on the new Saplings School building in Graiguecullen has been welcomed by many in the community.

Construction of the school for students with special needs began in March 2023, however it soon came to a halt towards the end of that same year due to a lack of funding.

Funding for the development was originally provided through the Irish Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP), which gave 'high net-worth individuals' from non-EEA countries Irish residency, if they invested a minimum of €1 million euro in Irish projects for at least three years.

The funding for the school ended once this programme closed. The partially built school at the Fruithill site has laid dormant since the end of 2023.

Students and staff from Saplings have since been operating out of temporary prefabs in Killeshin.

Representatives from the school confirmed on Friday, January 30 that the construction would resume this year.

They said: "Following a period of careful planning and preparation, enabling works will commence in the coming weeks, with full construction scheduled to recommence this summer."

The issue had long been a point of contention in Laois, with local politicians pushing for some progress to be made on the school which laid untouched for three years.

Local Representative for Sinn Féin in the Graiguecullen / Portarlington district, Aaron Kelly welcomed the news, saying: "Saplings School provides an essential service for children and young people on the autism spectrum, and has been operating for far too long from temporary and unsuitable accommodation."

He added: "Families, staff and pupils have shown remarkable patience during a process that has been marked by delay and frustration, and the return of builders to site is an important and overdue step forward."

Kelly said: "Our community has waited long enough. It is not acceptable that children with special educational needs are expected to learn in conditions that are clearly not fit for purpose. The Government must now ensure that there are no further interruptions to this project and that the new school building is delivered as quickly as possible.

"I want to pay special tribute to the Board of Management, the teachers, special needs assistants and the parents of Saplings School. Their determination, persistence and tireless advocacy have kept this project firmly on the agenda."

He concluded: "I will continue working with Senator Maria McCormack and all relevant parties to keep the pressure on until the new Saplings School is completed and fully operational."

Independent Councillor Ben Brennan fought for progress on the development since 2023, raising numerous motions with Laois County Council calling for Government intervention to see the school completed.

READ NEXT: WATCH: Laois Rose's emotional dance pays tribute to parents support of her disability

Upon hearing the news, Cllr Brennan said: "I'm happy to say that at last, our voice has been heard. There are children with needs to be looked after, and the school is way behind time."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme