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13 Mar 2026
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13 Mar 2026
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Pictured: File photo
Permission has been granted for a Laois school to open a new special class, meaning a total of seven new special classes are set to open across Laois in September 2026. The latest addition to this list is Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyleix.
These new classes will create 42 new school places for students with additional needs around the county, amid a current crisis for school places.
Fianna Fáil TD Deputy Sean Fleming has announced that seven new special classes will open across Laois from September 2026.
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.
"There are many special classes already in place throughout the county but there is a clear demand for these extra classes. These will be very welcome for the pupils and the families and the school communities in these areas," Deputy Fleming said.
"I look forward to these new classes being in place which will involve the employment of additional Teachers, Special Needs Assistants and above all the accommodation for these new classes.
"This is a very welcome development, I am continuing to work to seek further special classes in schools throughout Laois where there clearly is a need," Deputy Fleming finished.
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