Funding granted for new extension for St John’s Special School – Coffey

Funding has been granted for a new extension for St John’s Special School in Dungarvan, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Local Senator Paudie Coffey has warmly welcomed the funding, which will make a huge difference for the school community.

Senator Coffey said: “This school caters for children with complex needs and disabilities and has a huge catchment area all over Waterford, into East Cork and parts of Tipperary.

“St John’s are short two classrooms and have had to resort to team teaching and using spare rooms in the school next door.

“Over the last couple of years as their numbers have continued to grow, they have had to establish a waiting list as they cannot accommodate the numbers who need to enrol.

“This was a huge disadvantage to local children who had no other local special school to go to.

“Previous funding earmarked for the project fell significantly short of what the project would cost.

“I have been in constant contact with my colleague the Minister for Education Joe McHugh highlighting the issue and I’m delighted that appropriate funding has finally been granted.

“This will make a huge difference to pupils and staff at the school and help to ensure those on waiting lists are catered for.”

ENDS