12 new special classes announced for Waterford schools
Twelve new special classes will be in place in Waterford schools for the 2026/27 academic year.
Nationally, an additional 32 special classes have been sanctioned by the Department of Education today.
In Waterford, new classes will be established in the following schools.
• Rathgormack National School
• Scoil An Baile Nua, Newtown, Kilmacthomas.
• Ballymacarbry National School
• Mount Sion Primary School
• Presentation Secondary School, Waterford.
• Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh, Lismore.
• Ard Scoil na nDeise, Dungarvan.
• Mount Sion CBS Secondary School
• Waterpark College
• Presentation Secondary School
• Ardscoil Na Mara, Tramore.
• Scoil Lorcain
Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, John Cummins TD, has today welcomed the allocation for Waterford.
He said: "As someone who comes from an educational background, I have seen first-hand the benefits which flow from having ASD classrooms within the school community. Not only is it a really positive thing for students with additional needs, it’s also important for the wider school population in teaching empathy, understanding and inclusion.
“I am on record as saying that I believe every school at primary and post primary level should have specific provision for students with additional needs. While we still have a way to go to get to that point, we have made positive strides towards ensuring more families in Waterford are able to get an appropriate place close to home”.
Minister Cummins acknowledged the work of local advocacy groups and the school principals, staff and boards of management who have agreed to establish special classes in their schools.
