Welcome for approval of new autism class in Offaly school

Two local TDs have welcomed the Department of Education’s announcement of new inclusive special classes at St. Brendan’s Community School in Birr for the 2026/2027 school year.

Deputy John Clendennen of Fine Gael described the news as “a major boost for families across Birr and south Offaly”, however, Independent Deputy Carol Nolan, while stating that it was a “positive and welcome step for families in Birr and across Offaly” also reiterated her long-standing calls for proper infrastructure to support children with additional needs in Offaly.

“The sanctioning of an inclusive autism special class at St Brendan’s Community School will allow more young people with autism to remain in their local post-primary school, learning alongside their peers while receiving the targeted support they need,” she said.

“However, this announcement must not obscure the ongoing need for greater levels of support for St Brendan’s. As I have repeatedly stated over the past three years, the school has been treated with utter contempt around its approved ASD wing and extension that was first sanctioned in 2018.”

Deputy Nolan also noted that while the Government highlights national increases in special classes and schools, Offaly continues to lag behind in delivering tangible local provision.

She has previously raised the lack of sufficient special needs classes in the county with the Minister and has consistently campaigned for accelerated delivery of approved projects at St Brendan’s and within other Offaly schools.

“I will continue to hold the Ministers for Education and Special Education to account to ensure that today’s announcement translates into real places for Offaly children, not just on paper, but in properly equipped classrooms and bricks and mortar infrastructure.”

“The parents of children with additional needs in Birr and across Offaly have waited long enough. The Department must now fast-track the building works at St Brendan’s and continue to sanction further classes where demand exists,” concluded Deputy Nolan.

The announcement was made by Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton and Minister of State for Special Education Michael Moynihan as part of a nationwide expansion of special education supports.

Deputy Clendennen said the new inclusive special class provision represents a further significant commitment by the Department of Education to St Brendan’s and Birr.

“This is very welcome news for Birr and the surrounding areas,” he said. “We received confirmation in January that the extension for St Brendan’s was included in the first tranche of the National Development Plan for school buildings, and we’re awaiting a date for the commencement of construction. This announcement will further enhance the education offering so well delivered by the staff and leadership of St Brendan’s.”

The inclusive special class model allows students to spend part of their day in mainstream classrooms, while also receiving targeted support in a dedicated setting when needed. This approach formalises good practices already in place in many schools and aligns with national policy developments on inclusive education.

Deputy Clendennen highlighted that the new class in St. Brendan’s will be supported with additional teaching staff, Special Needs Assistants, and funding for equipment and any necessary school adaptations.

“This is about providing the right support, in the right place, at the right time,” he said. “It reflects a more flexible and inclusive approach that is already working well in schools across the country.”

He also paid tribute to the school community in Birr for stepping forward to deliver the new provision.

“I want to acknowledge the leadership and staff of St. Brendan’s Community School for their ongoing commitment to supporting all students. Their work ensures that this kind of progress can happen at a local level.”

Deputy Clendennen added that he will continue to engage with the Department of Education and the NCSE to ensure that further supports are delivered across Offaly.

“I am always conscious that when there is a funding announcement for one school or location, there are others across our county waiting for the progression of their projects. I am in regular contact with the Department across a range of projects and provisions. I will continue to advocate for Offaly at every opportunity.”