Two new special education schools for children in Dublin for 2026/2027 academic year
Dublin is set to get two new special schools in time for the 2026/2027 academic year.The schools, at Balbriggan and Citywest, will be set up by adapting existing school premises and will deliver additional places for children and young people with complex special education needs aged up to 18 years. The National Council for Special Education will collaborate closely with families to help them secure places at these new facilities.Irish Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion Michael Moynihan TD today confirmed the creation of four new special schools, with new schools in Bray, Wicklow, and Monasterevin, Kildare as well as two in Dublin.These schools bring the total amount of new special education facilities opened in the past six years to 20. The new facilities have been strategically positioned to address identified local requirements while also serving neighbouring areas across county borders, says the government.Alongside the new schools, 387 new special classes in schools have been approved to date and additional classes are anticipated to receive confirmation from the NCSE shortly.In recent years, 16 special schools have opened across counties Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Limerick, Meath, Monaghan, Tipperary and Wexford.Minister Naughton said:“At the heart of today’s decision is Government’s commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their needs, has access to an appropriate school place and with the supports that they deserve. The establishment of these four new special schools across Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare, is a clear and decisive step to increase capacity and, in doing so, reduce pressure on families.""This means that more children will be able to access specialist education in their own communities this coming September. We have made good progress in expanding special education provision and we will continue to act to meet with growing demand.""Our school communities continue to demonstrate a real commitment to inclusion. I want to sincerely thank school leaders, teachers, staff and patrons for their dedication in supporting the ongoing establishment of special classes and special schools throughout Ireland. Under Budget 2026, more than €3 billion has been allocated to supports for children with special educational needs. This unprecedented level of investment reflects our strong focus on the expansion of provision nationwide”“We are making tangible strides to ensure that every child has access to a welcoming, inclusive learning environment where they can learn, grow and flourish. Through continued collaboration and careful planning, we will build an education system that truly supports all learners.”Minister Moynihan said: “As Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, I am committed to ensuring that every child can access a school place that meets their individual needs. Special schools play an essential role within our education system, providing highly specialised supports and learning environments for children with complex needs.""The government’s commitment to ongoing investment is testament to this and can be seen again in the establishment of these four new special schools across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow. This will be a major support for families across the region and ensure children with additional needs can access their education, underlining this Government’s unwavering commitment to students and their families."“This is in addition to the more than 380 new special classes that have already been sanctioned for the forthcoming school year, further expanding capacity across the country. I am determined that we continue to work proactively to secure appropriate placements wherever they are required."“My department, together with the NCSE, is engaging intensively with school communities to ensure that additional provision is approved and established as early as possible. Today’s announcement provides vital lead-in time for admissions processes, recruitment of staff, professional development and any necessary building repurposing works, ahead of the opening of these new special schools for the 2026/27 school year.“Ultimately, this expansion of provision will support children and young people with special educational needs to achieve the very best possible outcomes, while giving families the reassurance and support they deserve. In particular I want to thank the patron bodies involved and extend best wishes to them as they work with the Department and NCSE to prepare and plan for the new schools.”Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. 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