Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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150. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the project for the new special school at Balgriffin Park, Belmayne, north Dublin; how advanced the plans are; details of the specifications for the design and staffing details; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4858/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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As you are aware enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for government.

My department works closely with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) on the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. Building on successive budgets, Budget 2025 secured funding for up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools, and an additional 300 special school places for the 2025/26 school year. This will deliver 2,700 new places for children.

As you are aware five new special schools will be established for the next school year, two in County Dublin and one each in counties Cork, Monaghan and Tipperary. The special school in Dublin north will be located in Balgriffin Park, Belmayne.

Dedicated working groups have been established by my department to work through the details in relation to the establishment of the new special schools. Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB are part of the working group supporting the establishment of the new special school in North Dublin.

It is envisaged that existing buildings will be repurposed, in the first instance, to facilitate the opening of the new special schools for the 2025/26 school year. This will allow the schools to open as quickly as possible.

The exact initial capacity of each special school will be considered further and confirmed shortly. Special schools generally operate on the basis of 1 teacher and at least 2 SNAs per class grouping of 6 children. Further supports can be provided if required to meet the needs of the children enrolling in the school.

Parents and families looking to apply for admission to the new special school will be supported and guided by the NCSE at a local level and kept updated on developments.

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.