Funding for special classes in Tipperary
TDs welcome announcement
Fianna Fáil TD for North Tipperary and Northwest Kilkenny, and Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education and Youth, Ryan O’Meara has welcomed the announcement of eight new special classes for County Tipperary, confirmed by Fianna Fáil Minister for Special Education, Michael Moynihan.
The announcement forms part of the first tranche of new special classes nationwide, with a record number set to open for the 2026/27 school year. In total, 168 classes have been allocated to 159 schools.
The Tipperary schools to benefit are: Presentation Secondary School, Ballingarry; Cloughjordan No 1 National School; Cashel Community School; Loreto Secondary School; St Joseph's CBS Nenagh; Our Lady's Secondary School; Monastery School Tipperary; Scoil na mBráithre; St Anne's Secondary School.
Deputy O’Meara said: “I am delighted to hear from my Fianna Fáil colleague Minister Michael Moynihan that 6 new special classes have been allocated to County Tipperary.
“These additional resources will have enormous benefits for students, teachers and parents. Everybody is entitled to an education, and Fianna Fáil is committed to ensuring every child has an equal opportunity to succeed. Included in the allocation is Presentation Secondary School, Cashel Community School and St Joseph’s CBS Nenagh.
Fianna Fáil Minister for Special Education, Michael Moynihan, commented: “As Minister for Special Education, the delivery and support of special classes is an integral part of my role, and this year will see the greatest ever number of new special classes sanctioned for September 2026. I’ve been working with my party colleagues to ensure there is no stone left unturned as we support all children with additional needs. This is the first of several tranches to be announced over the coming weeks, months earlier than last year, ensuring parents know much sooner what school their children will attend next September. It also gives schools much more time to plan and prepare."
CLARITY
Deputy O’Meara also highlighted the importance of early clarity for families, adding that earlier announcements benefit both parents and schools.
He added: “In 2026 alone, over €3 billion will be invested in supporting students with additional needs, including additional special education teachers and special needs assistants. Fianna Fáil is the party of education, and this announcement reaffirms that commitment.”
VITAL RESOURCES
Independent TD, Michael Lowry, has also welcomed the announcement of the new special classes in Tipperary.
He said: “The new classes will support children with additional educational needs and provide vital resources for schools, families, and teaching staff. These allocations represent an important step in ensuring that every child has access to an inclusive and supportive learning environment within their own community.”
Deputy Lowry acknowledged the work of school principals, boards of management, and the Department of Education in progressing these much-needed supports, and reaffirmed his commitment to continuing to advocate for adequate special education provision across the constituency.