Two new classes for children with special educational needs in Stillorgan – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll

Two new classes for children with special educational needs in Stillorgan – Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll

Two new special classes will be introduced to schools in Stillorgan in the 2026/2027 academic years to support children with special educational needs, Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll has said. New special classes will be introduced in St. Benildus College and St. Laurence’s Boys’ National School.

Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll said the additional classes are a significant step to supporting children with special educational needs and their families in Stillorgan

Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll explained: “There has been a very significant growth in demand for special school and special class places in recent years. This is an estimated 25% of the total student population, or 240,000 children and young people with special educational needs, that are supported in mainstream classes.”

Budget 2026 provides over €3 billion in funding for special education. This increased funding will allow schools recruit additional teaching and SNA staff to provide another 3,000 new special class and special school places. This is the largest annual funding provision for new special education placements and builds on the accelerated delivery of new special class and special school places over recent years.

“The provision of these additional special education classes will have a hugely positive impact on children with special educational needs and their families here in Stillorgan and reflects the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton and Fine Gael’s commitment to inclusive education and ensuring every child with special educational needs receives the support they deserve.

In my capacity as Fine Gael’s Disability Champion on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, I look forward to continuing to work closely with Minister Naughton to improve local provision for children with special educational needs and their families.” Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll concluded.

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