Three new special classes on the way for north Wicklow schools

Three additional special education classes are being provided to schools in north County Wicklow. Powerscourt National School in Enniskerry, St Patrick's National School in Bray, and Temple Carrig Secondary School in Greystones will receive the new provision. The expansion is part of a national rollout to increase capacity in primary and post-primary schools so more students can access specialised education within their local communities. The total number of new special classes sanctioned for Wicklow for the upcoming school year is 16, including 12 primary and four post-primary. Earlier approvals nationwide under tranche eight included two additional primary classes in Wicklow. The rollout is expected to ease pressure on school places and provide greater certainty for families.

"Three schools in County Wicklow are set to receive additional special education classes under the latest phase of the Government's ongoing expansion of supports for children with additional needs. The new provision forms part of a broader national roll-out aimed at increasing capacity in both primary and post-primary schools, ensuring more students can access specialised education within their local communities. The announcement adds to a growing number of classes already approved for the county ahead of the 2026/2027 school year."

"The three new classes, all in the north of the county, will be located at Powerscourt National School, Enniskerry; St Patrick's National School, Bray; and Temple Carrig Secondary School, in Greystones. Tánaiste Simon Harris confirmed the development, describing it as "building on the progress we have already made" in addressing demand for special education places across Wicklow. The latest allocation brings the total number of new special classes sanctioned for the county for the upcoming school year to 16, with 12 at primary level and four at post-primary level."

"The Tánaiste said the additional classes represent "a real step forward for families of children with additional needs right across the county", adding that the focus remains on ensuring children can receive appropriate supports close to home. He emphasised that enabling every child to reach their full potential continues to be a central priority for Government. The announcement follows earlier confirmation this month that a further 40 special education classes were approved nationwide under tranche eight of the programme."

"As part of that allocation, Wicklow secured two additional primary classes, one at Greystones Educate Together National School and the second at St Saviour's National School, in Rathdrum. It is anticpated that the continued roll-out will ease pressure on school places and provide greater certainty for families seeking approp"

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