Minister Madigan welcomes the establishment of a new special school in South Dublin

Minister for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan TD has today announced that a new special school will be established in 2021 on the campus of the former Scoil Colm in Crumlin, Dublin.

This new special school will offer places to students with autism and general learning disabilities, many of whom are currently in mainstream schools or receiving education under the home tuition scheme.

The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, has agreed to be the patron of the new school and the school, which will operate alongside Scoil Eoin special school on the same campus, will offer opportunities for integration for pupils with the longer term plan of establishing a single campus for special education in the coming years.

Minister Madigan said:  “I am delighted to have secured agreement to open a new special school at Scoil Colm.

“This is a much-needed development which will help to meet the demand for special school places in the area.

“As Minister of State for Special Education, I am determined to support students and families in securing school places where they are needed. I know this can be a difficult process and I want to make it as easy as possible.

“There has been a shortage of special school places in the South Dublin area this year. Many students who should have a special school place were unable to secure one. This has impacted on their lives and the lives of their families. This new school will increase the number of places available for students in the area and allow students to receive a full education appropriate to their needs.

“I want to thank everyone who worked with me to secure the establishment of this new special school. I am grateful to the Archbishop of Dublin for agreeing to be the patron of the new school.

“The school is being established now and will open as soon as possible.

“Work will begin to ensure that the site is safe and up to the requisite standard.”