Additional special needs classes approved for three Offaly schools

Three national schools in Offaly are to receive additional classes for children with special educational needs in the 2026/27 academic year, according to local TD John Clendennen.

The schools receiving an additional special class are Mercy Primary School in Birr, Rhode National School, and St Colman’s National School (Cappagh NS) in Tullamore.

This follows on from an announcement earlier this month of six special classes for Banagher College, St Brendan's Boys Primary School in Birr, Durrow National School, Tullamore Educate Together NS, Coláiste Choilm and Tullamore College.

Deputy Clendennen said the three new special classes in Birr, Rhode and Tullamore represented "very welcome news for students, teachers and parents" in Offaly.

"This is an important step in ensuring that children with additional needs can continue to learn and thrive in an inclusive setting in their school," he said.

"I'm delighted to see that three schools in Offaly will now have an additional class for 2026/27. This announcement will provide clarity for parents and schools alike and ensure planning can begin for the setting up of these classes," stated the Fine Gael TD.