Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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577. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the progress in attaining a site for a special school in Cork (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10970/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Very significant work is being undertaken to increase provision for special classes and special schools in order to ensure all children have access to an appropriate school place.

In relation to increasing provision in special schools, there are five new special schools being established for the 2025/26 school year - one of which is in the North Cork City Area.

The new special school in Cork will be located in Carrignavar in a former primary school property that is owned by the Diocese of Cork and Ross. The Department has agreed in principle the arrangements for acquiring this property.

The Department has appointed a project management team to determine and design the necessary scope of works for repurposing the property to facilitate the establishment of the new special school. A framework of contractors is in place to enable the repurposing works to get done as early as possible in the 2025/26 school year. The Department is liaising closely with Cork ETB as patron of the new special school regarding all the necessary arrangements including admissions, recruitment, NCSE training, supports etc. and interim accommodation arrangements from September 2025.