Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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301. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an alternative site selection process for necessary space for an autism class in addition to space required for the second-year of mainstream students in a school (details supplied) is being considered in advance of the start of the next school year given the refusal of planning permission for the original site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5810/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I would like to assure the Deputy that the provision of accommodation for pupils with special education needs is a priority for my Department and my officials are aware of the pressing requirement for the provision of post primary classes for pupils with special education needs in Ballincollig.

My Department has considered all options for the September 2022 interim accommodation for the school in question, including locating the school on the site of another post primary school in the town.

The level of accommodation being planned for the school to which the Deputy refers is also intended to include a two classroom SEN provision. In considering available space on the other school site, the proposed development can be considered exempt under the planning exemption introduced in March 2021 -Planning and Development (Exempted Development) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 114 of 2021) – School Buildings.