Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support my colleague in calling on the Minister to approve this project. It is a unique and important school for Cavan and Monaghan that caters for pupils between the ages of four and 18 years and is located in Cootehill, which we like to call the hub of education, given how it lies on the Cavan-Monaghan border and provides for that catchment area. Its pupils have severe and profound learning difficulties, moderate and multiple learning disabilities, and-or autism. On Monday, there were major protests across the country regarding access to services for parents and, more importantly, special needs students.

The project is an important infrastructural one that needs to happen. The Department has gone some way in that regard, but its approval is necessary if the project is to proceed. As Deputy Brendan Smith just outlined, teachers have to travel between various locations across Cootehill to do their normal day's work. I support his call for movement on this matter.

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